Method for measuring the momentum-dependent relative phase of the superconducting gap of high-temperature superconductors

M. E. Flatté; S. Quinlan; D. J. Scalapino

doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.48.10626

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Method for measuring the momentum-dependent relative phase of the superconducting gap of high-temperature superconductors

M. E. Flatté, S. Quinlan, D. J. Scalapino

DOI 10.1103/PhysRevB.48.10626 · Physical Review B

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Abstract

The phase variation of the superconducting gap over the (normal) Fermi surface of the high-temperature superconductors remains a significant unresolved question. Is the phase of the gap constant, does it change sign, or is it perhaps complex? A detailed answer to this question would provide important constraints on various pairing mechanisms. Here we propose a new method for measuring the relative gap phase on the Fermi surface which is direct, is angle-resolved, and probes the bulk. The required experiments involve measuring phonon linewidths in the normal and superconducting state, with resolution available in current facilities. We primarily address La1.85Sr0.15CuO4 material, but also propose a more detailed study of a specific phonon in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8.

Source-reported materials — not catalogue approval

Formula	Reported Tc (K)	Pressure (GPa)	Type
La1.85Sr0.15CuO4 Archive — visibility unverified Source-occurrence policy only; no material identity or catalogue acceptance is inferred from the formula.	40	Pressure not reported	unknown
Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 Archive — visibility unverified Source-occurrence policy only; no material identity or catalogue acceptance is inferred from the formula.	—	Pressure not reported	unknown