Magnetic Dynamics in Underdoped YBa₂Cu₃O₇₋ₓ: Direct Observation of a Superconducting Gap

Polarized and unpolarized triple-axis neutron measurements were performed on an underdoped crystal of YBa2Cu3O7-x (x = 0.4 ± 0.02, Tc = 62.7 K). Our results indicate, contrary to earlier evidence, that the spin excitations in the superconducting state are essentially the same as those in the fully doped material except that the unusual 41 meV resonance is observed at 34.8 meV. The normal state spin excitations are characterized by a weakly energy-dependent continuum whose temperature dependence shows the clear signature of a superconducting gap at Tc. The enhancement at the resonance is accompanied by a suppression of magnetic fluctuations at both higher and lower energies

In-Plane Anisotropy and Temperature Dependence of Oxygen Phonon Modes in YBa₂Cu₃O₆.₉₅

Inelastic pulsed neutron scattering measurements on YBa2Cu3O6.95 single crystals indicate that the sample has a distinct a-b plane anisotropy in the oxygen vibrations. The Cu-O bond-stretching-type phonons, which are suspected to interact strongly with charge, are simultaneously observed along the a and b directions due to a 7-meV splitting arising from the orthorhombicity, even though the sample is twinned. The bond-stretching LO branch with the polarization along a (perpendicular to the chain) loses intensity beyond the middle of the zone, indicating branch splitting as seen in doped nickelates, with the second branch being located at 10 meV below. The mode along b has a continuous dispersion. These modes show temperature dependence, which parallels that of superconductive order parameter, suggesting significant involvement of phonons in the superconductivity of this compound

Lattice and Charge Effects in High-Temperature Superconductors

We present the results of inelastic neutron-scattering measurements of a twinned crystal of YBa2Cu3O6.95 using the MAPS spectrometer of the ISIS facility of the Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory as well as the HFIR of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The dispersion of the Cu-O bond-stretching modes indicates a strong dielectric anisotropy within the plane and associated electronic anisotropy, supporting the dynamic stripe model. The results suggest a possibility that phonons play a major role in the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity

Phonon Dispersion Measurements of YBa₂Cu₃O₆.₁₅ and YBa₂Cu₃O₆.₉₅ by Time-of-Flight Neutron Spectroscopy

We measured the phonon dispersions of YBa 2Cu 3O 6.15 and YBa 2Cu 3O 6.95 by time-of-flight inelastic neutron scattering. The in-plane bond-stretching modes in the metallic phase showed a distinct a-b plane anisotropy beyond what is expected for structural origin. Such anisotropy in the longitudinal optical modes, which is absent in the TO, suggests strong in-plane anisotropy in the underlying electronic structure. Apical oxygen bond-stretching modes showed a large frequency change between the insulating and the metallic phases. This large softening also is beyond structural origin, and suggests the effect of local electronic environment