Superconductivity in copper-oxygen compounds

Abstract

The discovery of superconductors on copperoxygen basis in 1986 was one of the most celebrated events in condensed matter physics. The maximal transition temperature Tc close to 150 K was observed in HgBa2Ca 2Cu3O8+δ at high pressure. In spite of enormous progress in both the experimental knowledge and theoretical understanding, the origin of the high Tc remains elusive. Although the materials properties require unexpectedly complicated technical solutions several applications have been commercialized. © by Oldenbourg Wissenschaftsverlag, München.