Abstract
For some time now, there has been considerable experirnental and theoretical effort to understand the role of the norrnal-state "pseudogap" phase in underdoped high-temperature cuprate superconductors. Recent debate has centered on the question of whether the pseudogap is independent of superconductivity. We provide evidence from zero-field rnuon spin relaxation measurements in YBa2Cu3O6+x for the presence of small spontaneous static magnetic fields of electronic origin intirnately related to the pseudogap transition. Our most significant finding is that, for optimal doping, these weak static magnetic fields appear well below the superconducting transition temperature. The two compositions measured suggest the existence of a quantum critical point somewhat above optimal doping.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1692-1695 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 292 |
Issue number | 5522 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 1 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |