Fragile three-dimensionality in the quasi-one-dimensional cuprate PrBa_2Cu_4O_8

Abstract

In this article we report on the experimental realization of dimensional crossover phenomena in the chain compound PrBa${}_2$Cu${}_4$O${}_8$ using temperature, high magnetic fields and disorder as independent tuning parameters. In purer crystals of PrBa${}_2$Cu${}_4$O${}_8$, a highly anisotropic three-dimensional Fermi-liquid state develops at low temperatures. This metallic state is extremely susceptible to disorder however and localization rapidly sets in. We show, through quantitative comparison of the relevant energy scales, that this metal/insulator crossover occurs precisely when the scattering rate within the chain exceeds the interchain hopping rate(s), i.e. once carriers become confined to a single conducting element.

arXiv comment12 pages, 5 figures, published at http://www.iop.org/EJ/article/1367-2630/8/9/172/njp6_9_172.html

References in corpus (4)

• Spectroscopic signatures of spin-charge separation in the quasi-one-dimensional organic conductor TTF-TCNQ
• Evidence for charge Kondo effect in superconducting Tl-doped PbTe
• Test for interlayer coherence in a quasi-two-dimensional superconductor
• Angle-resolved photoemission study of insulating and metallic Cu-O chains in PrBa${}_2$Cu${}_3$O${}_7$ and PrBa${}_2$Cu${}_4$O${}_8$

Cited by in corpus (6)

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• Possible co-existence of local itinerancy and global localization in a quasi-one-dimensional conductor
• Dimensionality-driven spin-flop transition in quasi-one-dimensional PrBa2Cu4O8
• Irradiation-induced confinement in a quasi-one-dimensional metal
• Weak localization and magnetoresistance in a two-leg ladder model