Polaronic signatures in the optical properties of Nd$_{2-x}$Ce$_x$CuO$_4$

TL;DR

This paper explores how magnetic and lattice polaron formation affects the optical conductivity of Nd$_{2-x}$Ce$_x$CuO$_4$, revealing pseudogap features linked to polaron dynamics using advanced theoretical modeling.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical analysis of polaronic effects on optical properties in Nd$_{2-x}$Ce$_x$CuO$_4$ using dynamical mean-field theory within the Holstein-t-J model, providing new insights into pseudogap phenomena.

Findings

Pseudogap features are associated with lattice polaron formation.

Magnetic interactions assist in polaron formation affecting optical conductivity.

Theoretical results match experimental observations of optical spectra.

Abstract

We investigate the temperature and doping dependence of the optical conductivity $\sigma(\omega)$ of Nd$_{2-x}$Ce$_x$CuO$_4$ in terms of magnetic/lattice polaron formation. We employ dynamical mean-field theory in the context of the Holstein-t-J model where an exact analytical solution is available in the limit of infinite connectivity. We show that the pseudogap features in the optical conductivity of this compound can be associated to the formation of lattice polarons assisted by the magnetic interaction.