Comparison of the superconducting critical transition temperature of LaBaCaCu3O7-d and NdBaCaCu3O7-d

TL;DR

This study compares the superconducting transition temperatures of LaBaCaCu3O7-d and NdBaCaCu3O7-d, revealing a significant difference that challenges existing assumptions about rare earth element effects.

Contribution

It provides the first direct comparison of Tc in La:1113 and Nd:1113 compounds, highlighting a notable increase in Tc for La:1113, which is unusual among similar superconductors.

Findings

La:1113 has a Tc of 73 K

Nd:1113 has a Tc of 41 K

The Tc difference challenges previous understanding

Abstract

LaBaCaCu3O7 (La:1113) and NdBaCaCu3O7 (Nd:1113) compounds are synthesized by solid state reaction route. Both compounds crystallize in tetragonal structure. Four probe resistivity measurements showed that superconducting transition temperature (Tc) is 73 K and 41 K respectively for La:1113 and Nd:1113 compounds. Considering the fact that for RE:123 (REBa2Cu3O7) compounds the Tc hardly depends upon the choice of RE (Rare earth, except Ce, Pr and Tb), the current nearly two fold increase in Tc of La:1113 when compared to Nd:1113, warrants serious discussion.