The Development of Superconductivity Research in Oxides

K. Alex Mueller

Starting with the first observation of superconductivity in an oxide, namely SrTiO3, the history of its development is traced. Basically, and consequently, three kinds of oxide superconductors have been found: compounds with normal transition-metal based conduction bands, oxides with cations exhibiting charge disproportionation, and finally, the cuprates with large Coulomb on-site repulsion. The doped La2CuO4 was the first oxide discovered in this new class of materials. The discussion will then lead over to a characterization of the high Tc materials, with regard to their main physical properties.

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