A novel hybrid of high-Tc cuprate and paramagnetic organic radical

We have found a heterostructured spin-system consisting of superconducting and paramagnetic sub-systems, where free radicals (S=1/2) are stabilized between Bi-based cuprate layers. The superconducting-paramagnetic dual magnetism observed in this work may provide a useful probe for investigating the mechanism of high transition temperature (high-Tc) superconductivity. The stabilization of solid-state free radicals in-between (super) conductive layers is expected to provide a new class of magnetic heterostructures with unusual functionalities, which may find applications as magneto-electronic materials or devices.