Impact of Electron Correlations on Infinite-Layer Cuprates and Nickelates
Abstract
Optimization of unconventional superconductivity involves a balance of interaction strengths. Precise determination of correlation strength across different material families is therefore important. Here, we present a combined X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) study of infinite-layer PrNiO2 and SrCuO2 that enables fair comparison of their interaction strengths. For both compounds, we study the orbital and magnetic excitations and extract their dispersions along high-symmetry directions. Using a single-band Hubbard model and including higher-order exchange interactions, we derive the correlation factor U/t for both compounds. A key finding is that despite a smaller Coulomb repulsion U, PrNiO2 exhibits a correlation strength that is 20% stronger than that of its isostructural cuprate counterpart SrCuO2. This indicates that a moderation of the correlation strength may further optimize superconductivity in nickelates.
Turn this paper into a full lesson
ArcXiv compiles a staged curriculum from this paper: 8-12 lessons across beginner → advanced, synthesised section guides, visuals, flashcards, a quiz, exercises, and on-demand deep dives per section. Grounded in the abstract, never invented.