Anomalously Sharp Superconducting Transitions in Overdoped $La_{2-x}Sr_{x}CuO_{4}$ Films

Abstract

We present measurements of $ab$-plane resistivity $\rho_{ab}(T)$ and superfluid density [$\propto \lambda^{-2}$, $\lambda$ = magnetic penetration depth] in $La_{2-x}Sr_{x}CuO_{4}$ films. As Sr concentration $x$ exceeds about 0.22, the superconducting transition sharpens dramatically, becoming as narrow as 200 mK near the super-to-normal metal quantum critical point. At the same time, $\rho_{ab}(T)$, $\lambda^{-2}(T)$, and transition temperature $T_c$ decrease, and upward curvature develops in $\lambda^{-2}(T)$. Given the sharp transitions, we interpret these results in the context of a homogeneous d-wave superconducting state, with elastic scattering that is enhanced relative to underdoped LSCO due to weaker electron correlations. This interpretation conflicts with the viewpoint that the overdoped state is inhomogeneous due to phase separation into superconducting and normal metal regions.