Isotope coefficient of optimally doped high-Tc cuprates

Original · EN

Within the framework of pure BCS(i.e. when the critical temperature is proportional to the Debye temperature), we show that the isotope coefficient is always less than 1/2 and could be extremely small in polyatomic superconductors depending on the chemical formula unit. This finding leads to quantitative explanation of observed values(correct orders of magnitude and sometimes exact numerical values) in optimally doped cuprates, magnesium diboride and alkali-doped fullerenes. Consequently, the smallness of the isotope coefficient is not only compatible with pure electron-phonon interaction, but this is perhaps the rule in polyatomic systems.