Quantum Materials Field
Frontier Superconducting Materials Group
Our group discovers and investigates superconductors and related materials using data science, chemical synthesis, and self-developed measurement techniques.
Group Leader: Yoshihiko Takano
New superconducting Ni oxides with high superconducting transition temperatures
Current Topics
The superconductivity of La₃Ni₂O₇ has been a hot topic since its discovery in 2023, with a remarkably high transition temperature of 80 K under pressures above 14 GPa. Recently, we found that La₄Ni₃O₁₀ also exhibits superconductivity under pressure [1,2], using self-developed diamond anvil cells with boron-doped diamond electrodes. Additionally, we synthesized high-quality samples of these compounds with various oxygen contents to establish their superconducting phase diagram [3]. Superconductivity occurs near the Mott insulating state, similar to high-Tc cuprates, as shown in the figure. These discoveries provide new insights into the superconducting mechanism of nickel oxides [1].
Fig. 2. Crystal structure of La3Ni2O7 (left) and its electronic phase diagram (right). SC represents the superconducting state.
Outline of Research
Superconductivity is associated with various physical and chemical properties, including electron correlations, lattice vibrations, and atomic bonding. Discovering new superconductors is not only intriguing but also beneficial to other areas of materials science, as it deepens our understanding of these fundamental properties. To contribute to such advancements, our group focuses on discovering and investigating new superconductors and related materials by applying advanced techniques to explore their properties. For example, we have developed a unique diamond anvil cell (DAC), an X-ray diffraction system specifically designed for DAC use, and created software for phase identification from X-ray patterns. To further accelerate the discovery, we are developing machine learning techniques to efficiently identify promising candidates.
References
- H. Sakakibara, et al., Phys. Rev. B 109 , 144511 (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.109.144511
- H. Nagata, et al., J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 93 , 095003 (2024). DOI: 10.7566/JPSJ.93.095003
- Y. Ueki, et al., J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 94 , 013703 (2025). DOI: 10.7566/JPSJ.94.013703
Group members
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Yoshihiko Takano・Group Leader -
Hiroya Sakurai・Principal Researcher -
Kensei Terashima・Principal Researcher -
Ryo Matsumoto・Senior Researcher
Links