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Nonmonotonic d(x(2)-y(2)) superconducting order parameter in Nd2-xCexCuO4
G Blumberg1, A Koitzsch, A Gozar
1Bell Laboratories, Lucent Technologies, Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974, USA. girsh@bell-labs.com
Physical Review Letters
|March 23, 2002
Summary
This study reveals a nonmonotonic superconducting order parameter in electron-doped cuprates, with a larger gap near antiferromagnetic "hot spots." This highlights the role of magnetic fluctuations in superconductivity for both electron- and hole-doped materials.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Superconductivity
Background:
- Electron-doped cuprates, such as Neodymium Cerium Copper Oxide (Nd2-x Cex CuO4), are high-temperature superconductors.
- Understanding the nature of the superconducting order parameter is crucial for elucidating the pairing mechanism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the superconducting order parameter in electron-doped Nd2-x Cex CuO4 using low-energy polarized electronic Raman scattering.
- To determine the spatial variation of the superconducting gap and its relationship with magnetic properties.
Main Methods:
- Low-energy polarized electronic Raman scattering spectroscopy.
- Analysis of the superconducting order parameter's symmetry and magnitude.
Main Results:
- A nonmonotonic d(x2)-y2 superconducting order parameter was observed.
- A maximum superconducting gap of 4.4kB Tc was found at Fermi surface intersections with antiferromagnetic Brillouin zones ("hot spots").
- A smaller gap of 3.3kB Tc was measured at fermionic Brillouin zone boundaries.
Conclusions:
- The gap enhancement near "hot spots" underscores the significant role of antiferromagnetic fluctuations in electron-doped cuprates.
- The findings suggest a similar origin of superconductivity in both electron- and hole-doped cuprates, emphasizing universal mechanisms.