O. Gerguri

In the crystal La₂₋ₓSrₓCuO₄, at a certain composition, two states coexist: superconductivity, where electrons move without loss, and a charge-density wave — a periodic bunching of electron density. These states compete for the same electron clouds, which resemble cross-shaped petals.

At ambient pressure, the LBCO-0.125 crystal barely conducts electricity without loss. Inside, electrons arrange into stripes with alternating magnetization, and these stripes act as barriers: superconducting pairs form but cannot flow freely through the whole sample.

In a crystal lattice that resembles a woven basket, electrons sometimes pair up and flow without resistance. Such a material, a superconductor based on a kagome lattice, behaves like a temperamental orchestra: add a bit of titanium, and the conductor's baton switches from one order to another.