The Resonating Valence Bond State in La 2 CuO 4 and Superconductivity

Abstract

The oxide superconductors, particularly those recently discovered that are based on La 2 CuO 4 , have a set of peculiarities that suggest a common, unique mechanism: they tend in every case to occur near a metal-insulator transition into an odd-electron insulator with peculiar magnetic properties. This insulating phase is proposed to be the long-sought "resonating-valence-bond" state or "quantum spin liquid" hypothesized in 1973. This insulating magnetic phase is favored by low spin, low dimensionality, and magnetic frustration. The preexisting magnetic singlet pairs of the insulating state become charged superconducting pairs when the insulator is doped sufficiently strongly. The mechanism for superconductivity is hence predominantly electronic and magnetic, although weak phonon interactions may favor the state. Many unusual properties are predicted, especially of the insulating state.

Keywords

SuperconductivityCondensed matter physicsValence bond theoryValence (chemistry)Singlet stateFrustrationMaterials scienceMagnetic susceptibilityElectronPhysicsAtomic physicsQuantum mechanicsExcited state

Affiliated Institutions

Princeton University US

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Publication Info

Year: 1987
Type: article
Volume: 235
Issue: 4793
Pages: 1196-1198
Citations: 7551
Access: Closed

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APA Style

                            
                                    P. W. Anderson
                                
                            (1987). 
                            The Resonating Valence Bond State in La <sub>2</sub> CuO <sub>4</sub> and Superconductivity. 
                            Science
                            , 235
                            (4793)
                            , 1196-1198.
                            https://doi.org/10.1126/science.235.4793.1196

Identifiers

DOI: 10.1126/science.235.4793.1196