Phase Separation in Cuprate Superconductors: Proceedings of the Workshop on : Erice, Italy 6-12 May 1992 (The Science and Culture-Physics)

The main objective of this workshop was to review and discuss the electronic and chemical properties of layered cuprate superconductors. These are doped antiferromagnetic (AFM) insulators, and there is the possibility of a dynamic phase separation into metallic clusters and AFM areas. A clarification on the existence and the mechanism of such a phase separation is believed to be crucial for the understanding of high-Tc superconductivity in cuprates. On one hand, theoretical and recent experiemental indications in favour of this possibility were presented, on the other hand experimental papers expressing more skeptical views were also delivered. Related work on phase separations of chemical and structural origin was also included, followed by contributions on the question; "If phase separation is present, what is the pairing mechanism in the metallic clusters?".