Coexistence of strong nematic and superconducting correlations in a two-dimensional Hubbard model

TL;DR

This study uses quantum Monte Carlo methods to show that in a two-dimensional Hubbard model, nematic and superconducting correlations can coexist, with nematicity affecting single-particle scattering and superconducting gap anisotropy.

Contribution

It demonstrates the coexistence of nematic and d-wave superconducting correlations in a 2D Hubbard model with orthorhombic distortion, revealing their interplay.

Findings

Large nematic response develops with decreasing temperature and doping.

Superconducting gap acquires an s-wave component and becomes anisotropic.

Pairing strength remains unaffected by nematic anisotropy.

Abstract

Using a dynamic cluster quantum Monte Carlo approximation, we study a two-dimensional Hubbard model with a small orthorhombic distortion in the nearest neighbor hopping integrals. We find a large nematic response in the low-frequency single-particle scattering rate which develops with decreasing temperature and doping as the pseudogap region is entered. At the same time, the d-wave superconducting gap function develops an s-wave component and its amplitude becomes anisotropic. The strength of the pairing correlations, however, is found to be unaffected by the strong anisotropy, indicating that d-wave superconductivity can coexist with strong nematicity in the system.