Pair fluctuation induced pseudogap in the normal phase of the two-dimensional attractive Hubbard model at weak coupling

One-particle spectral properties in the normal phase of the two-dimensional attractive Hubbard model are investigated in the weak coupling regime using the non-selfconsistent T-matrix approximation. The corresponding equations are evaluated numerically directly on the real frequency axis. For temperatures sufficiently close to the superconducting transition temperature a pseudogap in the one-particle spectral function is observed, which can be assigned to the increasing importance of pair fluctuations.Comment: 22 pages, 13 figure

Magnetic Field induced Dimensional Crossover Phenomena in Cuprate Superconductors and their Implications

We discuss the occurrence of crossing points in the magnetization - temperature $(m,T$) plane within the framework of critical phenomena. It is shown that in a two-dimensional superconducting slab of thickness $d_{s}$ $m_{z}(\delta)$ versus temperature $T$ curves measured in different fields $\mathbf{H} = H(0,\sin (\delta) ,\cos (\delta))$ will cross at the critical temperature T_c of the slab. In contrast, in a 3D anisotropic bulk superconductor the crossing point occurs in the plot $m_{z}(\delta) /H_{z}^{1/2}$ versus $T$. The experimental facts that 2D crossing point features have been observed in ceramics and in single crystals for $\mathbf{H}$ close to $\mathbf{H} = H(0,0,1)$, but not for $\mathbf{H} = H(0,1,0)$, is explained in terms of an angle-dependent crossover field separating the regions where 2D or 3D thermal fluctuations dominate. The measured 2D-crossing point data are used to estimate one of the fundamental parameters of cuprate superconductors, the minimum thickness of the slab $(d_{s})$, which remains superconducting. Our estimates, based on experimental 2D-crossing point data for single crystals, reveal that this length adopts material dependent values. Therefore, experimental data for T_c and $\lambda_{\Vert}^{2}(T=0)$, plotted in terms of T_c versus $1/\lambda_{\Vert}^{2}(T=0)$ will not tend to a straight line with universal slope as the underdoped limit is approached. Implications for magnetic torque measurements are also worked out

D-XY Critical Behavior in Cuprate Superconductors

We outline the universal and finite temperature critical properties of the 3D-XY model, extended to anisotropic extreme type-II superconductors, as well as the universal quantum critical properties in 2D. On this basis we review: (i) the mounting evidence for 3D-XY behavior in optimally doped cuprate superconductors and the 3D to 2D crossover in the underdoped regime; (ii) the finite size limitations imposed by inhomogeneities; (iii) the experimental evidence for a 2D-XY quantum critical point in the underdoped limit, where the superconductor to insulator transition occurs; (iv) the emerging implications and constraints for microscopic models.Comment: 5 pages, 6 figure

Doping-dependent electronic structure of cuprates studied using angle-scanned photoemission

Full k-maps of the electronic structure near the Fermi level of differently doped cuprates measured with angle-scanned photoelectron spectroscopy are presented. The valence band maximum of the antiferromagnetic insulator Sr2CuO2Cl2, which is taken as a representative of an undoped cuprate, and the Fermi surfaces of overdoped, optimally doped and underdoped Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ high-temperature superconductors are mapped in the normal state. The results confirm the existence of large Luttinger Fermi surfaces at high doping with a Fermi surface volume proportional to (1+x), where x is the hole concentration. At very low doping, however, we find that this assumption based on Luttinger's theorem is not fulfilled. This implies a change in the topology of the Fermi surface. Furthermore the intensity of the shadow bands observed on the Fermi surface of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ as a function of the doping is discussed

Charge order and low frequency spin dynamics in lanthanum cuprates revealed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

We report detailed 17O, 139La, and 63Cu Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) measurements in a stripe ordered La1.875Ba0.125CuO4 single crystal and in oriented powder samples of La1.8-xEu0.2SrxCuO4. We observe a partial wipeout of the 17O NMR intensity and a simultaneous drop of the 17O electric field gradient (EFG) at low temperatures where the spin stripe order sets in. In contrast, the 63Cu intensity is completely wiped out at the same temperature. The drop of the 17O quadrupole frequency is compatible with a charge stripe order. The 17O spin lattice relaxation rate shows a peak similar to that of the 139La, which is of magnetic origin. This peak is doping dependent and is maximal at x ~ 1/8.Comment: submitted to European Physical Journal Special Topic

Hard Instances of the Constrained Discrete Logarithm Problem

The discrete logarithm problem (DLP) generalizes to the constrained DLP, where the secret exponent $x$ belongs to a set known to the attacker. The complexity of generic algorithms for solving the constrained DLP depends on the choice of the set. Motivated by cryptographic applications, we study sets with succinct representation for which the constrained DLP is hard. We draw on earlier results due to Erd\"os et al. and Schnorr, develop geometric tools such as generalized Menelaus' theorem for proving lower bounds on the complexity of the constrained DLP, and construct sets with succinct representation with provable non-trivial lower bounds

Rare charm meson decays D->Pl^+l^- and c->ul^+l^- in SM and MSSM

We study the nine possible rare charm meson decays D->Pl^+l^- (P=pi,K,eta,eta') using the Heavy Meson Chiral Lagrangians and find them to be dominated by the long distance contributions. The decay D^+ -> pi^+l^+l^- with the branching ratio 1*10^(-6) is expected to have the best chances for an early experimental discovery. The short distance contribution in the five Cabibbo suppressed channels arises via the c->ul^+l^- transition; we find that this contribution is detectable only in the D->pi l^+l^- decay, where it dominates the differential spectrum at high-q^2. The general Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model can enhance the c->ul^+l^- rate by up to an order of magnitude; its effect on the D->Pl^+l^- rates is small since the c->ul^+l^- enhancement is sizable in low-q^2 region, which is inhibited in the hadronic decay.Comment: 17 page

Transport of charged particles by adjusting rf voltage amplitudes

We propose a planar architecture for scalable quantum information processing (QIP) that includes X-junctions through which particles can move without micromotion. This is achieved by adjusting radio frequency (rf) amplitudes to move an rf null along the legs of the junction. We provide a proof-of-principle by transporting dust particles in three dimensions via adjustable rf potentials in a 3D trap. For the proposed planar architecture, we use regularization techniques to obtain amplitude settings that guarantee smooth transport through the X-junction.Comment: 16 pages, 10 figure

Systematic Cu-63 NQR studies of the stripe phase in La(1.6-x)Nd(0.4)Sr(x)CuO(4) for 0.07 <= x <= 0.25

We demonstrate that the integrated intensity of Cu-63 nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) in La(1.6-x)Nd(0.4)Sr(x)CuO(4) decreases dramatically below the charge-stripe ordering temperature T(charge). Comparison with neutron and X-ray scattering indicates that the wipeout fraction F(T) (i.e. the missing fraction of the integrated intensity of the NQR signal) represents the charge-stripe order parameter. The systematic study reveals bulk charge-stripe order throughout the superconducting region 0.07 <= x <= 0.25. As a function of the reduced temperature t = T/T(charge), the temperature dependence of F(t) is sharpest for the hole concentration x=1/8, indicating that x=1/8 is the optimum concentration for stripe formation.Comment: 10 pages of text and captions, 11 figures in postscript. Final version, with new data in Fig.

Evolution of the pairing pseudogap in the spectral function with interplane anisotropy

We study the pairing pseudogap in the spectral function as a function of interplane coupling. The analytical expressions for the self-energy in the critical regime are obtained for any degree of anisotropy. The frequency dependence of the self-energy is found to be qualitatively different in two and three dimensions, and the crossover from two to three dimensional behavior is discussed. In particular, by considering the anisotropy of the Fermi velocity and gap along the Fermi surface, we can qualitatively explain recent photoemission experiments on high temperature superconductors concerning the temperature dependent Fermi arcs seen in the pseudogap phase.Comment: 20 pages, revtex, 5 encapsulated postscript figures include