Anisotropic phase stiffness in infinite-layer nickelates superconductors

Minyi Xu, Dong Qiu (), Minghui Xu, Yehao Guo, Cheng Shen, Chao Yang, Wenjie Sun, Yuefeng Nie, Zi-Xiang Li (), Tao Xiang, Liang Qiao (), Jie Xiong () and Yanrong Li
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Minyi Xu: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
Dong Qiu: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
Minghui Xu: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
Yehao Guo: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
Cheng Shen: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
Chao Yang: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
Wenjie Sun: Nanjing University
Yuefeng Nie: Nanjing University
Zi-Xiang Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Tao Xiang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Liang Qiao: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
Jie Xiong: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
Yanrong Li: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract In unconventional superconductors such as cuprates and iron pnictides and chalcogenides, phase stiffness—a measure of the energy cost associated with superconducting phase variations—governs the formation of superconductivity. Here we demonstrate a vector current technique enabling in-situ angle-resolved transport measurements to reveal anisotropic phase stiffness in infinite-layer nickelate superconductors. Pronounced anisotropy of in-plane resistance manifests itself in both normal and superconducting transition states, indicating crystal symmetry breaking. Remarkably, the electric conductivity of Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2 peaks at 125° between the direction of the current and crystal principal axis, but this angle evolves to 160° near zero-resistance temperature. Further measurements reveal that the phase stiffness maximizes along 160°, a direction distinct from the symmetry axis imposed by both electronic nematicity and the crystal lattice. Identical measurements conducted on a prototypical cuprate superconductor yield consistent results. By identifying the contrasting anisotropy between electron fluid and superfluid in both nickelates and cuprates, our findings provide clues for a unified framework for understanding unconventional superconductors.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61654-9

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