Broader perspective on the high-temperature superconduct- ing YBa2Cu3Oy system: The real role of the oxygen content.

Abstract

A series of new $\mathrm{Y}{\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{y}$-like materials are reported in which the oxygen content and the average [Cu-O] charge (or Cu valence) are separately varied over a wide range. We find a distinct boundary between samples showing anomalous insulating behavior and those with high ${T}_{c}$. These data are interpreted to demonstrate that the [Cu-O] charge in the sheets largely determines ${T}_{c}$ and that the variable oxygen content and the chains merely provide an insulating reservoir of charge.