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Physics

Bridging ambient- and high-pressure superconductivity in LaLnNiO films

Motoki Osada, Chieko Terakura

Featured September 8, 2026

Original Paper

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Simply

Scientists found that squeezing special nickel-oxide films with high pressure makes them superconduct at much warmer temperatures, and even though different ways of squeezing change the material differently, the best superconductors always show a similar simple electrical behavior.

In depth
The paper systematically investigates superconductivity in bilayer nickelate films (LaLnNiO) under both ambient and high-pressure conditions. The authors demonstrate that while high pressure enhances the critical temperature () by compressing both - and -axes, lanthanide substitution at ambient pressure, which primarily compresses the -axis, leads to a decrease in . Despite these distinct structural responses, a consistent correlation is observed where a smaller power-law exponent of the normal-state resistivity (approaching T-linear behavior) accompanies higher , suggesting a common underlying electronic mechanism.

Key Takeaways

  • 1
    The study unifies investigations of bilayer nickelate superconductivity under ambient and high-pressure conditions in thin films.
  • 2
    High pressure significantly enhances the critical temperature ($T_c$) from ~40 K to ~70 K by isotropic lattice compression.
  • 3
    A consistent correlation is found: higher is associated with normal-state resistivity approaching T-linear behavior (smaller exponent ), regardless of whether it's achieved by hydrostatic pressure or lanthanide substitution.

Conceptual Flow

HIGH LEVEL
1
Methodology: Investigating Superconductivity Under Different Squeezing Methods

The scientists grew thin films and then either squeezed them evenly with high pressure or changed their internal atoms to see how each method affected their ability to carry electricity without resistance.

Special Nickel Film
Apply Squeeze (Pressure) OR Change Atoms (Substitution)
Measure Electricity Flow
Find Superconducting Temp
2
Results: Squeezing Makes Superconductivity Stronger

They discovered that high pressure made the films superconduct at much higher temperatures, and this strong superconductivity was linked to a specific, simple way electricity flowed in the normal state.

Film Squeezed
Film Atoms Changed
Higher Squeeze = Higher Superconducting Temp
Higher Superconducting Temp
Simple Electricity Flow Pattern

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