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ab plane ac conductivity in the cuprates: pseudogap effects below Tc
Andrew Iyengar1, Jelena Stajic, Ying-Jer Kao
1James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|June 6, 2003
Summary
This study reveals how the pseudogap impacts optical conductivity in superconductors. It differentiates between "hidden order" and "superconducting" origins by analyzing conductivity changes with temperature and frequency.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Materials
Background:
- The pseudogap phenomenon in superconductors is a complex area of research.
- Understanding its origin is crucial for advancing superconductivity theories.
- Superfluid density (rho(s)(T)) is a key parameter in characterizing superconducting states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the entry of the pseudogap into in-plane optical conductivity (sigma(omega,T)).
- To distinguish between competing theoretical explanations for the pseudogap's origin.
- To analyze the temperature (T) and frequency (omega) dependencies of conductivity signatures.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the in-plane optical conductivity (sigma(omega,T)) as a function of temperature and frequency.
- Comparison of experimental signatures with theoretical predictions for different pseudogap origins.
- Building upon the established understanding of superfluid density (rho(s)(T)).
Main Results:
- Distinct qualitative differences in omega,T-dependences are observed for competing pseudogap theories.
- For a superconducting origin, the real part of optical conductivity (Re sigma(omega)) shows enhancement at high and low frequencies as temperature increases from 0.
- The study provides a framework for interpreting experimental data related to the pseudogap.
Conclusions:
- The observed signatures in optical conductivity can differentiate between 'hidden order' and 'superconducting' explanations for the pseudogap.
- The findings support the interpretation of the pseudogap as having a superconducting origin in certain temperature regimes.
- Further experimental validation is discussed in light of current research.