UC Irvine

We review the crystal chemical, electronic, magnetic and superconducting properties of La2CuO4 and related planar-cuprate materials, with emphasis on single-crystal results. Although magnetism due to divalent copper ions clearly is evident in nonsuperconducting crystals, experiments do not reveal any direct relationship between localized copper spins and high temperature superconductivity. We also indicate areas where important information is lacking for our understanding of these materials. © 1989.