Normal-state properties

Abstract

The chapter, Normal State Properties, presents the normal state resistivities normal and parallel to the layers for all classes of layered superconductors, including the superconducting transitions. Some data for the normal state magnetizations in both directions are also provided. To the extent the data are available, the optical reflectivities in the normal state and in some cases, also in the superconducting state, are shown. For the cuprates, additional experimental data describing the normal state and the entry into the superconducting state is also provided. The strong similarities between the normal state behaviours of all classes of layered superconductors is noted and discussed. The anomalies arising from charge- and spin-density waves, depending upon the material, and the corresponding behaviour arising from the so-called “pseudogap” in the cuprates is evident from the experimental data, and is briefly discussed.