Work

Anomalous lattice relaxation dynamics in optimally doped La 2 − x Sr x CuO 4

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The atomic lattice plays a critical role in the emergence of high- T c superconductivity in cuprates. While the dynamics associated with electron-lattice coupling typically unfold on picosecond-to-femtosecond timescales, we present an x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy investigation on an optimally doped La-based cuprate that reveals a strong response of kilosecond-scale lattice relaxation dynamics to the superconducting state. Notably, an anomaly emerges around T c : upon cooling into the superconducting state, the average atomic relaxation lifetime decreases, i.e., dynamics accelerate. This indicates a significant change in the local disorder-induced strain field dynamics at the superconducting transition, highlighting a remarkable coupling between superconductivity and the lattice on quasistatic timescales.

Source: Physical review. B./Physical review. B

DOI: 10.1103/9sg4-52qz