Charge segregation model for superconducting correlations in cuprates above T(c)

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Cuprate superconductors exhibit complex electronic behavior above the bulk superconducting transition temperature (Tc).
• Recent experiments show localized regions of phase-coherent pairing correlations and a tendency toward charge ordering in these materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a theoretical framework for understanding transverse field muon spin rotation (TF-µSR) experiments on cuprate superconductors.
• To investigate the role of localized superconducting domains and their interactions in explaining TF-µSR data.

Main Methods:

• Phenomenological modeling of inhomogeneous charge distribution using the Cahn-Hilliard equation.
• Self-consistent superconducting calculations employing the Bogoliubov-deGennes method.
• Exploration of two scenarios for magnetic field screening by superconducting domains.

Main Results:

• The study simulates TF-µSR data using two models: screening by individual domains and screening by Josephson-coupled domains.
• The model incorporating Josephson coupling between domains (scenario ii) provides a better agreement with experimental TF-µSR data.
• Localized phase coherence above Tc is linked to charge ordering phenomena.

Conclusions:

• A theoretical framework is established to interpret TF-µSR experiments in cuprates.
• Josephson coupling plays a crucial role in the emergent superconducting properties observed in these materials.
• The findings highlight the interplay between charge ordering and superconductivity in cuprates.