A junction of three quantum wires: restoring time-reversal symmetry by interaction

We investigate transport of correlated fermions through a junction of three one-dimensional quantum wires pierced by a magnetic flux. We determine the flow of the conductance as a function of a low-energy cutoff in the entire parameter space. For attractive interactions and generic flux the fixed point with maximal asymmetry of the conductance is the stable one, as conjectured recently. For repulsive interactions and arbitrary flux we find a line of stable fixed points with vanishing conductance as well as stable fixed points with symmetric conductance (4/9)(e^2/h).Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, version accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. Let

Influence of carrier lifetime on quantum criticality and superconducting Tc of (TMTSF)_2ClO_4

This work presents and analyzes electrical resistivity data on the organic superconductor (TMTSF)$_2$ClO$_4$ and their anion substituted alloys (TMTSF)$_2$(ClO$_4$)$_{1-x}$(ReO$_4$)$_x$ along the least conducting $c^\star$ axis. Nonmagnetic disorder introduced by finite size domains of anion ordering on non Fermi liquid character of resistivity is investigated near the conditions of quantum criticality. The evolution of the $T$-linear resistivity term with anion disorder shows a limited decrease in contrast with the complete suppression of the critical temperature $T_c$ as expected for unconventional superconductivity beyond a threshold value of $x$. The resulting breakdown of scaling between both quantities is compared to the theoretical predictions of a linearized Boltzmann equation combined to the scaling theory of umklapp scattering in the presence of disorder induced pair-breaking for the carriers.Comment: 13 pages, 8 figure

Junctions of one-dimensional quantum wires - correlation effects in transport

We investigate transport of spinless fermions through a single site dot junction of M one-dimensional quantum wires. The semi-infinite wires are described by a tight-binding model. Each wire consists of two parts: the non-interacting leads and a region of finite extent in which the fermions interact via a nearest-neighbor interaction. The functional renormalization group method is used to determine the flow of the linear conductance as a function of a low-energy cutoff for a wide range of parameters. Several fixed points are identified and their stability is analyzed. We determine the scaling exponents governing the low-energy physics close to the fixed points. Some of our results can already be derived using the non-self-consistent Hartree-Fock approximation.Comment: version accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. B, 14 pages, 7 figures include

Linear-T scattering and pairing from antiferromagnetic fluctuations in the (TMTSF)_2X organic superconductors

An exhaustive investigation of metallic electronic transport and superconductivity of organic superconductors (TMTSF)_2PF_6 and (TMTSF)_2ClO_4 in the Pressure-Temperature phase diagram between T=0 and 20 K and a theoretical description based on the weak coupling renormalization group method are reported. The analysis of the data reveals a high temperature domain (T\approx 20 K) in which a regular T^2 electron-electron Umklapp scattering obeys a Kadowaki-Woods law and a low temperature regime (T< 8 K) where the resistivity is dominated by a linear-in temperature component. In both compounds a correlated behavior exists between the linear transport and the extra nuclear spin-lattice relaxation due to antiferromagnetic fluctuations. In addition, a tight connection is clearly established between linear transport and T_c. We propose a theoretical description of the anomalous resistivity based on a weak coupling renormalization group determination of electron-electron scattering rate. A linear resistivity is found and its origin lies in antiferromagnetic correlations sustained by Cooper pairing via constructive interference. The decay of the linear resistivity term under pressure is correlated with the strength of antiferromagnetic spin correlations and T_c, along with an unusual build-up of the Fermi liquid scattering. The results capture the key features of the low temperature electrical transport in the Bechgaard salts

Spectroscopic scanning tunneling microscopy insights into Fe-based superconductors

In the first three years since the discovery of Fe-based high Tc superconductors, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy have shed light on three important questions. First, STM has demonstrated the complexity of the pairing symmetry in Fe-based materials. Phase-sensitive quasiparticle interference (QPI) imaging and low temperature spectroscopy have shown that the pairing order parameter varies from nodal to nodeless s\pm within a single family, FeTe1-xSex. Second, STM has imaged C4 -> C2 symmetry breaking in the electronic states of both parent and superconducting materials. As a local probe, STM is in a strong position to understand the interactions between these broken symmetry states and superconductivity. Finally, STM has been used to image the vortex state, giving insights into the technical problem of vortex pinning, and the fundamental problem of the competing states introduced when superconductivity is locally quenched by a magnetic field. Here we give a pedagogical introduction to STM and QPI imaging, discuss the specific challenges associated with extracting bulk properties from the study of surfaces, and report on progress made in understanding Fe-based superconductors using STM techniques.Comment: 36 pages, 23 figures, 229 reference

Organic Superconductors: when correlations and magnetism walk in

This survey provides a brief account for the start of organic superconductivity motivated by the quest for high Tc superconductors and its development since the eighties'. Besides superconductivity found in 1D organics in 1980, progresses in this field of research have contributed to better understand the physics of low dimensional conductors highlighted by the wealth of new remarkable properties. Correlations conspire to govern the low temperature properties of the metallic phase. The contribution of antiferromagnetic fluctuations to the interchain Cooper pairing proposed by the theory is borne out by experimental investigations and supports supercondutivity emerging from a non Fermi liquid background. Quasi one dimensional organic superconductors can therefore be considered as simple prototype systems for the more complex high Tc materials.Comment: 41 pages, 21 figures to be published in Journal of Superconductivity and Novel Magnetis