Superconducting Properties of La$_{1.85}$Sr$_{0.15}$CuO$_4$-Sr$_2$IrO$_4$ multilayers

TL;DR

This study investigates multilayer thin films of superconducting La$_{1.85}$Sr$_{0.15}$CuO$_4$ and Sr$_2$IrO$_4$, revealing enhanced superconductivity and analyzing the effects of layer thickness and interface doping on $T_C$.

Contribution

It demonstrates increased $T_C$ in LSCO/SIO multilayers and models the induced superconductivity at their interface, advancing understanding of heterostructure superconductivity.

Findings

Enhanced $T_C$ in multilayer heterostructures

Temperature-dependent conduction mechanisms in SIO layers

Optimal LSCO thickness for maximum $T_C$

Abstract

We study superconducting properties in multilayer thin films consisting of superconducting La$_{1.85}$Sr$_{0.15}$CuO$_4$ (LSCO) and Mott insulator Sr$_2$IrO$_4$ (SIO) and report enhanced superconductivity in optimized sample. These multilayer heterostructures show an increase in superconducting transition temperature ($T_C$) as compared to the single layer LSCO films. The temperature dependence of SIO single layer is also investigated under thermal activation, Arrhenius-type behaviour, and variable-range hopping mechanisms for different temperature regimes. The decrease in $T_C$ beyond an optimum thickness of LSCO in these multilayers is analyzed in the framework of a model based on the assumption of induced superconductivity in SIO-LSCO interface due to the doping of La and/or oxygen deficiencies into SIO layers