2D Weak Localization in Trilayer Ruddelsden-Popper Nickelates

Abstract

Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) nickelates superconduct when pressure suppresses intertwined charge- and spin-density waves. Here, we employ measurements of quantum corrections to magnetoconductivity as a probe of the dimensionality, phase coherence, and scattering mechanisms of the underlying single crystal trilayer RP nickelate Pr4Ni3O10 and La4Ni3O10. We observe signatures of 2D Weak Localization (WL), implying that the in-plane electron transport is in the quantum diffusive regime, while the out-of-plane transport is incoherent, and the electronic ground state is a quasi-2D disordered Fermi liquid. Application of pressure up to 3 GPa continuously suppresses signatures of WL, potentially signaling a 2D/3D dimensional crossover and an eventual pressure-driven transition into a superconductor.