Signatures of pressure induced superconductivity in insulating Bi2212

TL;DR

This study demonstrates pressure-induced superconductivity in insulating Bi2212, revealing a resistive anomaly at 20-40 kbar and a maximum Tc of 10 K, with findings sensitive to pressure conditions.

Contribution

First experimental evidence of pressure-induced superconductivity in insulating Bi2212, expanding understanding of pressure effects in cuprate materials.

Findings

Resistive anomaly indicating superconductivity appears at 20-40 kbar

Maximum Tc of 10 K observed under high pressure

Superconductivity sensitivity to pressure hydrostaticity

Abstract

We have performed several high pressure electrical resistance experiments on Bi1.98Sr2.06Y0.68Cu2O8, an insulating parent compound of the high-Tc Bi2212 family of copper oxide superconductors. We find a resistive anomaly, a downturn at low temperature, that onsets with applied pressure in the 20-40 kbar range. Through both resistance and magnetoresistance measurements, we identify this anomaly as a signature of induced superconductivity. Resistance to higher pressures decreases Tc, giving a maximum of 10 K. The higher pressure measurements exhibit a strong sensitivity to the hydrostaticity of the pressure environment. We make comparisons to the pressure induced superconductivity now ubiquitous in the iron arsenides.