Thermal conductivity of high-Tc superconductors

This paper reviews existing data on the thermal conductivity of high-T_c superconductors. Included are discussions of pristine polycrystalline high-T_c ceramics, single crystal specimens, and high-T_c materials structurally modified by substitution or by radiation damage. The thermal conductivity of high-T_c superconductors is compared with that of conventional superconductors, and dramatic differences are found between the two families. Mechanisms of thermal conductivity applicable to high-T_c perovskites are discussed and implications for theories of high-T_c superconductivity are noted.