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Optimizing Synthesis of Superconducting Infinite-Layer Nickelates

ORAL

Abstract

Superconductivity was recently discovered in the infinite-layer nickelate Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2.1 To proceed with further systematic studies in the superconducting properties of this material, it is important to establish a reproducible method to synthesize single-phase, single-crystalline Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2. The synthetic route to this infinite-layer nickelate structure poses two major challenges. First, the precursor perovskite phase is difficult to stabilize due to the unusually high formal nickel valence of Ni+3.2 and the structural instability induced by chemical doping. Second, topochemical reduction on perovskite nickelates have shown limitations in coherent transition to the infinite-layer phase.2 After careful optimization, we have successfully established a reproducible method to stabilize Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2 (001) epitaxial thin films on SrTiO3 (001) substrate by pulsed-laser deposition and CaH2-assisted topochemical reduction. The details of the optimization process and the dependence of structural and superconducting properties on growth conditions will be discussed.

1 Li, D. et al., Nature 572, 624 (2019).
2 Kawai, M. et al., Cryst. Growth Des. 10, 2044 (2010).

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Presenters

  • Kyuho Lee

    Physics, Stanford University, Stanford University

Authors

  • Kyuho Lee

    Physics, Stanford University, Stanford University

  • Danfeng Li

    Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA, SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Physics, Stanford University, Stanford University, Applied Physics, Stanford University

  • Motoki Osada

    Stanford University, Physics, Stanford University, Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University

  • Bai Yang Wang

    Department of Physics, Stanford University, Physics, Stanford University, Stanford University

  • Berit Goodge

    Cornell University, Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University

  • Lena Fitting Kourkoutis

    Cornell University, Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science

  • Harold Hwang

    Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford University, Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Applied Physics, Stanford University, SIMES, SLAC, Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA, SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Physics, Stanford University, Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory