Uncovering origins of heterogeneous superconductivity in La3Ni2O7
Nature
by S. V. MandyamFebruary 26, 2026
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The article delves into the discovery of superconductivity in La3Ni2O7 under high pressure, revealing its unique properties as an analog to high-temperature cuprates. Unlike traditional nickelates, La3Ni2O7 exhibits superconductivity only at pressures exceeding 10 GPa, challenging existing models linking nickelate and cuprate physics. The study highlights the material's distinct electronic configuration, which offers fresh insights into high-Tc superconductivity.
Despite its potential, La3Ni2O7 presents significant challenges due to its inhomogeneous superconducting behavior. Observations of weak diamagnetic responses suggest a "filamentary" superconducting state, where superconductivity is confined to narrow regions within the material. This heterogeneity complicates efforts to understand the underlying mechanisms and measure consistent properties across samples.
To address these challenges, researchers employed a novel technique using nitrogen vacancy quantum sensors embedded in diamond anvil cells. This method allowed them to image local diamagnetic responses with sub-μm resolution under high pressure. The findings revealed a strong correlation between superconductivity, local stress, and chemical composition, demonstrating that these factors collectively influence the material
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Originally published on Nature on 2/26/2026