YBa2Cu4O8 is unique among underdoped cuprates in that its low-T c-axis
response is metallic. When a magnetic field is applied perpendicular
to the CuO chains (B parallel to a), however, the c-axis resistivity r
ho(c) changes dramatically and, at sufficiently high fields, rho(c)(T)
begins to show localized behavior. This observation reveals the criti
cal role of the CuO chains in metallizing the c axis in YBa2Cu4O8 In t
he field range where rho(c)(T) is insulating, Delta rho(c)/rho(c) vari
es linearly rather than quadratically with held, suggesting a new magn
etoconductivity regime in a state of lower dimensionality.