Enhanced charge density wave coherence in a light-quenched, high-temperature superconductor

S. Wandel, F. Boschini, E. H. da Silva Neto, L. Shen, M. X. Na, S. Zohar, Y. Wang, S. B. Welch, M. H. Seaberg, J. D. Koralek, G. L. Dakovski, W. Hettel, M. F. Lin, S. P. Moeller, W. F. Schlotter, A. H. Reid, M. P. Minitti, T. Boyle, F. He, R. SutartoR. Liang, D. Bonn, W. Hardy, R. A. Kaindl, D. G. Hawthorn, J. S. Lee, A. F. Kemper, A. Damascelli, C. Giannetti, J. J. Turner, G. Coslovich

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Superconductivity and charge density waves (CDWs) are competitive, yet coexisting, orders in cuprate superconductors. To understand their microscopic interdependence, a probe capable of discerning their interaction on its natural length and time scale is necessary. We use ultrafast resonant soft x-ray scattering to track the transient evolution of CDW correlations in YBa2Cu3O6+x after the quench of superconductivity by an infrared laser pulse. We observe a nonthermal response of the CDW order characterized by a near doubling of the correlation length within ≈1 picosecond of the superconducting quench. Our results are consistent with a model in which the interaction between superconductivity and CDWs manifests inhomogeneously through disruption of spatial coherence, with superconductivity playing the dominant role in stabilizing CDW topological defects, such as discommensurations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)860-864
Number of pages5
JournalScience
Volume376
Issue number6595
DOIs
StatePublished - May 20 2022
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Enhanced charge density wave coherence in a light-quenched, high-temperature superconductor'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this