Probing the order parameter symmetry in the cuprate high temperature superconductors by SQUID microscopy

TL;DR

This paper reviews the development of phase sensitive SQUID microscopy techniques used to determine the order parameter symmetry in cuprate high-temperature superconductors, highlighting technical advances and experimental successes.

Contribution

It details the technical progress and experimental methods that enabled phase sensitive tests of pairing symmetry in cuprates using SQUID microscopy.

Findings

Confirmation of d-wave symmetry in cuprates

Advances in SQUID microscopy techniques

Successful phase sensitive tests in high-Tc superconductors

Abstract

The orbital component of the order parameter in the cuprate high-Tc cuprate superconductors is now well established, in large part because of phase sensitive tests. Although it would be desirable to use such tests on other unconventional superconductors, there are a number of favorable factors associated with the properties of the cuprates, and a number of technical advances, that were required for these tests to be successful. In this review I will describe the development of phase sensitive pairing symmetry tests using SQUID microscopy, underlining the factors favoring these experiments in the cuprates and the technical advances that had to be made.