T′ and infinite-layer electron-doped cuprates

• This review presents a survey of the physical properties of n-type cuprates.
• It compares the T′ family and the infinite-layer cuprates.
• They are two of the most difficult cuprates to grow.
• These two families share common structural features and electronic properties.
• They present compelling evidences for a magnetic mechanism for superconductivity.

In this short review, we survey several physical properties of electron-doped cuprates. We focus on a comparison of the T′ family of general formula Ln2−xCexCuO4 (Ln = La, Nd, Pr, Sm, Eu and Gd) and the infinite-layer cuprates of general formula Sr1−xLnxCuO2 (Ln = La, Nd, Pr, Sm). We identify the common features of these high-temperature superconductors and underline the likely origin of their surprising properties while emphasizing the difficulties related to their growth.