Magnetic Dynamics in Underdoped YBa2Cu3O72x: Direct Observation of a Superconducting Gap

Author

• Pengcheng Dai
• Mehmet Yethiraj
• Herbert A. Mook
• T. B. Lindemer
• Fatih Dogan, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow

Abstract

Polarized and unpolarized triple-axis neutron measurements were performed on an underdoped crystal of YBa₂Cu₃O_7-x (x 0.4 6 0.02, T_c 62.7 K). Our results indicate, contrary to earlier evidence, that the spin excitations in the superconducting state are essentially the same as those in the fully doped material except that the unusual 41 meV resonance is observed at 34.8 meV. The normal state spin excitations are characterized by a weakly energy-dependent continuum whose temperature dependence shows the clear signature of a superconducting gap at T_c. The enhancement at the resonance is accompanied by a suppression of magnetic fluctuations at both higher and lower energies.

Recommended Citation

P. Dai et al., "Magnetic Dynamics in Underdoped YBa2Cu3O72x: Direct Observation of a Superconducting Gap," Physical Review Letters, vol. 77, no. 27, American Physical Society, Nov 1996.

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2026 American Physical Society, All rights reserved

Publication Date

1996-11-30