Bismuthates like Ba1-xKxBiO3 (BKBO) host high-Tc superconductivity via doping a charge-density-wave insulating phase.
While electron-phonon (𝑒-ph) coupling is proposed to play a key role, the bismuthate normal state is anomalous and poorly understood.
Researchers from IRGs 1, 2, and the Paul-Sherre Institute combined resonant inelastic x-ray and neutron total scattering techniques with advanced modeling to address this problem.
The team found that the doped system hosts short-range structural distortions of the lattice with a sizable 𝑒-ph coupling deep into the material’s metallic phase.
These findings demonstrate that BKBO’s metallic phase is an anomalous and highly sought after bipolaronic liquid.
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Persistence of small polarons into the superconducting doping range of Ba1−xKxBiO3
Center for Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
CAMM at UT Knoxville, focuses on the exploration, discovery, and design of new materials with properties of critical societal importance for energy, transport, and security advancements.