Similarities and differences between infinite-layer nickelates and cuprates and implications for superconductivity

TL;DR

This paper compares the electronic structures of infinite-layer nickelates and cuprates, highlighting similarities that suggest potential for superconductivity, and discusses how their electronic parameters influence superconducting properties.

Contribution

It provides a detailed comparison of electronic structures and hopping parameters between nickelates and cuprates, offering insights into their superconducting potential.

Findings

Both materials have large ratios of longer-range to near-neighbor hopping.

Electronic structure differences are influenced by spacer cations.

Superconductivity may be favored by specific electronic parameters.

Abstract

We have revisited the electronic structure of infinite-layer RNiO$_2$ (R= La, Nd) in light of the recent discovery of superconductivity in Sr-doped NdNiO$_2$. From a comparison to their cuprate counterpart CaCuO$_2$, we derive essential facts related to their electronic structures, in particular the values for various hopping parameters and energy splittings, and the influence of the spacer cation. From this detailed comparison, we comment on expectations in regards to superconductivity. In particular, both materials exhibit a large ratio of longer-range hopping to near-neighbor hopping which should be conducive for superconductivity.