Charge density waves in cuprate superconductors beyond the critical doping

The unconventional normal-state properties of the cuprates are often discussed in terms of emergent electronic order that onsets below a putative critical doping of x(c)approximate to 0.19. Charge density wave (CDW) correlations represent one such order; however, experimental evidence for such order generally spans a limited range of doping that falls short of the critical value x(c), leading to questions regarding its essential relevance. Here, we use X-ray diffraction to demonstrate that CDW correlations in La2-xSrxCuO4 persist up to a doping of at least x=0.21. The correlations show strong changes through the superconducting transition, but no obvious discontinuity through x(c)approximate to 0.19, despite changes in Fermi surface topology and electronic transport at this doping. These results demonstrate the interaction between CDWs and superconductivity even in overdoped cuprates and prompt a reconsideration of the role of CDW correlations in the high-temperature cuprate phase diagram.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates that CDW correlations in La2-xSrxCuO4 persist up to a doping of at least x=0.21, with strong changes through the superconducting transition. Despite changes in Fermi surface topology and electronic transport at the critical doping value of x(c)approximate to 0.19, there is no obvious discontinuity, prompting a reconsideration of the role of CDW correlations in the high-temperature cuprate phase diagram.