Evidence for two competing order parameters in underdoped cuprates superconductors from a model analysis of the Fermi-arc effects

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that recent photoemission data on underdoped cuprates can be explained by a two-gap scenario involving competing order parameters, specifically the flux phase of the t-J model, rather than solely preformed pairs.

Contribution

It provides a model-based explanation for Fermi-arc effects in underdoped cuprates, supporting the existence of two competing order parameters.

Findings

Photoemission features explained by two-gap scenario

Self-energy effects are crucial for interpretation

Supports flux phase as a competing order parameter

Abstract

Preformed pairs above $T_c$ and the two-gap scenarios are two main proposals for describing the low doping pseudogap phase of high-$T_c$ cuprates. Very recent angle-resolved photoemission experiments have shown features which were interpreted as evidence for preformed pairs. Here it is shown that those results can be explained also in the context of the two-gap scenario if self-energy effects are considered. The discussion is based on the $d$-CDW theory or the flux phase of the $t-J$ model.