A non-linear transport method for detecting superconducting stripes

TL;DR

This paper proposes a theoretical method to detect superconducting stripes in crystals by analyzing universal scaling in nonlinear resistivity, aiding the identification of stripe phases in cuprates.

Contribution

It introduces a non-linear transport approach to identify superconducting stripes, accounting for twinning effects and providing a testable universal scaling prediction.

Findings

Universal scaling relationship between nonlinear resistivity curves at different angles.

Method to verify the presence of superconducting stripes above the transition temperature.

Theoretical prediction applicable to cuprate superconductors.

Abstract

We theoretically study the effect of stripe-like superconducting inclusions on the non-linear resistivity in single crystals. Even when the stripe orientation varies throughout the sample between two orthogonal directions due to twinning, we predict that there should be a universal scaling relationship between the nonlinear resistivity curves measured at different angles relative to the crystal axes. This prediction can be used to verify or rule out the existence of superconducting stripes at and above the superconducting transition temperature in cuprate superconductors.