Correlation between superconducting critical temperature and normal-state resistivity parameters from the codoped ErBa2Cu3-x-yZnxFeyO7-δ system

The Zn and Fe codoped ErBa2Cu3-x-yZnxFeyO7-delta system for 0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 0.45, 0 less than or equal to y less than or equal to 0.18, and 0.02 less than or equal to delta less than or equal to 0.21 has been investigated. Superconducting critical temperature T-c, residual resistivity rho(0), resistivity slope corresponding to the linear rho-T region (d rho/dT)(cc), and a characteristic temperature where rho-T goes through a minima T-min are extracted from resistivity measurements. Interestingly, Zn and Fe in general are found to interfere with each other in determining the values of T-c, rho(0), (d rho/dT)(cc) and T-min. In one particular case of cosubstitution, T-c is found to enhance. T-c correlates with T-min, rho(0), and (d rho/dT)(cc) such that an increase in the former two parameters tends to degrade T-c, while an increase in the latter tends to enhance it. These observations suggest that pinning of the dynamically fluctuating striped phase due to Zn and Fe is a reasonable source of T-c suppression in the present system. We further discuss the reasons and possible consequences of the unusual interference effects of Zn and Fe.