The influence of topological phase transition on the superfluid density of overdoped copper oxides†
Abstract
We show that a quantum phase transition, generating flat bands and altering Fermi surface topology, is a primary reason for the exotic behavior of the overdoped high-temperature superconductors represented by La2−xSrxCuO4, whose superconductivity features differ from what is predicted by the classical Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer theory. This observation can open avenues for chemical preparation of high-Tc materials. We demonstrate that (1) at temperature T = 0, the superfluid density ns turns out to be considerably smaller than the total electron density; (2) the critical temperature Tc is controlled by ns rather than by doping, and is a linear function of the ns; (3) at T > Tc the resistivity ρ(T) varies linearly with temperature, ρ(T) ∝ αT, where α diminishes with Tc → 0, whereas in the normal (non superconducting) region induced by overdoping, Tc = 0, and ρ(T) ∝ T2. Our results are in good agreement with recent experimental observations.
- This article is part of the themed collection: 2017 PCCP HOT Articles