Pressurization, intercalation, doping, and elements: An empirical study of superconductivity near perturbation onsets

Abstract

Superconductivity is a phenomenon arising from cooperative electron behavior. However, correlations among (1) the minimum tuning parameter required for emergence, (2) the superconducting transition temperature resulting from minimal tuning, and (3) the host’s physical/chemical properties still elude the scientific community. Recent empirical investigations, such as those revealing ideal gas-like correlations at the onset of superconductivity in intercalated superconductors, motivate this study. Our investigation reports similar findings in systems (> 170 compounds) exhibiting superconductivity through other perturbative means, such as single-element doping. In general, statistical measures, including distance correlation analyses (≠ linear regression fit) of thermodynamic variables, indicate the presence of empirical relationships near the superconducting onset of systematically tuned compounds. These relations involve unit cell volume (V), the number of valence electrons (N), and the superconducting transition temperature (Tc). Note: The author’s primary aim is not to validate or challenge BCS theory; it is instead to focus on leveraging methodology led by available data to enhance the exploration and development of innovative and cost-effective superconductors.