Modeling the Fermi arc in underdoped cuprates

TL;DR

This paper compares various models for Fermi arcs in underdoped cuprates and finds that a d-wave gap with temperature-dependent broadening best fits experimental data, suggesting fluctuating pairs.

Contribution

It identifies the most accurate model for Fermi arcs among several proposals, emphasizing the role of fluctuating pairs in the pseudogap phase.

Findings

The d-wave gap with lifetime broadening fits ARPES data well.

Temperature dependence indicates fluctuating pairs.

Supports the pseudogap as a fluctuating pairing phenomenon.

Abstract

Angle resolved photoemission data in the pseudogap phase of underdoped cuprates have revealed the presence of a truncated Fermi surface consisting of Fermi arcs. We compare a number of proposed models for the arcs, and find that the one that best models the data is a d-wave energy gap with a lifetime broadening whose temperature dependence is suggestive of fluctuating pairs.