Strain-induced long-range charge-density wave order in the optimally doped Bi$_2$Sr$_{2-x}$La$_x$CuO$_{6}$ superconductor

TL;DR

This study reveals that applying in-plane strain induces a long-range charge-density wave order in optimally doped cuprate superconductor Bi$_2$Sr$_{2-x}$La$_x$CuO$_6$, suggesting a hidden order underlying the pseudogap phase.

Contribution

It demonstrates that strain can induce long-range CDW order in optimally doped cuprates, revealing a hidden order beyond the underdoped regime.

Findings

Strain exceeding 0.15% induces long-range CDW order.

Strain reduces superconductivity but enhances CDW.

Superconductivity coexists with strain-induced CDW.

Abstract

The mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity in copper oxides (cuprate) remains elusive, with the pseudogap phase considered a potential factor. Recent attention has focused on a long-range symmetry-broken charge-density wave (CDW) order in the underdoped regime, induced by strong magnetic fields. Here by $^{63,65}$Cu-nuclear magnetic resonance, we report the discovery of a long-range CDW order in the optimally doped Bi$_2$Sr$_{2-x}$La$_x$CuO$_6$ superconductor, induced by in-plane strain exceeding $|$$\varepsilon$$|$ = 0.15 %, which deliberately breaks the crystal symmetry of the CuO$_2$ plane. We find that compressive/tensile strains reduce superconductivity but enhance CDW, leaving superconductivity to coexist with CDW. The findings show that a long-range CDW order is an underlying hidden order in the pseudogap state, not limited to the underdoped regime, becoming apparent under strain. Our result sheds light on the intertwining of various orders in the cuprates.