Thermal conductivity of single-crystal Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O

The ab-plane thermal conductivity {κ} of single-crystal Bi₂{Sr}₂CaCu₂{O}_{8{{-}}x}$ has been measured from 25 to 300 K, for samples of varying oxygen configuration. Complementary electrical-conductivity measurements on the same crystals allow {κ} to be accurately decomposed into electronic and phonon contributions. For metallic samples the electronic contribution to {κ} is substantial. Analysis of {κ} in the normal and superconducting states allows the defect-scattering and electron-scattering contributions to κₚₕₒₙₒₙ to be evaluated near Tc. {κ} in the superconducting state is consistent with a BCS description.