This GOALI experimental research project is concerned with new basic experiments probing the nature of superconductivity in the simplest cuprate high Tc superconductors, those containing one CuO2 plane per unit cell. The project has two aspects, the first being growth of excellent epitaxial films of Tl2201 on tri- crystal and other substrates. This will be performed by the PI at SUNY Buffalo. The second task is a set of subtle measurements to be made at IBM supervised by the IBM co-PI's in the project. These measurements will include but not be limited to measurements using a state-of-the-art scanning SQUID microscope. The measurements are designed to clarify the nature of superconductivity and the symmetry of the order parameter in excellent single layer samples. This choice of samples avoids complications of copper chains and interlayer interactions, to enable more transparent tests of the relevant theories. The research will involve a postdoctoral researcher who will receive excellent training at both locations, beneficial to a future career in industry, government or academia. This work is interdisciplinary in nature and is supported in part by the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities in the Mathematical and Physics Sciences Directorate at NSF. %%% This experimental research project is in the category of Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison With Industry (GOALI), which fosters collaboration between academic and industrial researchers. This GOALI experimental research project is concerned with basic experiments probing the nature of superconductivity in the simplest cuprate high Tc superconductors, those containing one CuO2 plane per unit cell. The project has two aspects, the first being growth of excellent epitaxial films of Tl2201 on tri-crystal and other substrates. This will be performed by the PI at SUNY Buffalo. The second task is a set of subtle measurements to be made at IBM supervised by the IBM co-PI's in the project. These measurements will include but not be limited to measurements using a state-of-the-art scanning SQUID microscope. The measurements are designed to clarify the nature of superconductivity and the symmetry of the order parameter in excellent single layer samples. This choice of samples avoids complications of copper chains and interlayer interactions, to enable more transparent tests of the relevant theories. The research will involve a postdoctoral researcher who will receive excellent training beneficial to a future career in industry, government or academic teaching and research. This work is interdisciplinary in nature and is supported in part by the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities in the Mathematical and Physics Sciences Directorate at NSF. ***
