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Observation of subharmonic charge-density-wave correlations in La-based cuprates
Phys. Rev. B 114, 074514 – Published 31 August, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/djbs-mcz5
Abstract
Pair-density-wave (PDW) correlations have been proposed as an important ingredient in the complex phase diagram of high- cuprates, yet bulk-sensitive experimental signatures remain scarce. Here, we report resonant x-ray scattering measurements revealing a subharmonic charge-density-wave (CDW) scattering response in Sr-doped (LBCO). The subharmonic response appears at approximately half the primary CDW ordering wave vector and emerges within a physically relevant temperature regime associated with the development of in-plane superconducting correlations. Comparable subharmonic behavior is also observed in a chemically distinct La-based cuprate, (LSCO), within the same stripe-ordered, layer-decoupled regime. Together, these observations identify a bulk-sensitive scattering signature that is consistent with PDW correlations in La-based superconducting cuprates.