Effects of rare-earth magnetism on the superconducting upper critical field in infinite-layer nickelates

The search for superconductivity in infinite-layer nickelates was motivated by analogy to the cuprates, and this perspective has framed much of the initial consideration of this material. However, a growing number of studies have highlighted the involvement of rare-earth orbitals; in that context, the consequences of varying the rare-earth element in the superconducting nickelates have been much debated. Here, we show notable differences in the magnitude and anisotropy of the superconducting upper critical field across the La-, Pr-, and Nd-nickelates. These distinctions originate from the 4f electron characteristics of the rare-earth ions in the lattice: They are absent for La(3+), nonmagnetic for the Pr(3+) singlet ground state, and magnetic for the Nd(3+) Kramer’s doublet. The unique polar and azimuthal angle-dependent magnetoresistance found in the Nd-nickelates can be understood to arise from the magnetic contribution of the Nd(3+) 4f moments. Such robust and tunable superconductivity suggests potential in future high-field applications.