Resonating valence bonds and Fermi surface reconstruction: The resistivity in the underdoped cuprates

TL;DR

This paper uses a theoretical model to explain the resistivity behavior in the pseudogap phase of underdoped cuprates, emphasizing Fermi surface reconstruction's role in transport properties.

Contribution

It demonstrates that Fermi surface reconstruction is key to understanding resistivity anisotropy in the pseudogap phase, aligning with the Yang-Rice-Zhang model.

Findings

Reproduces qualitative resistivity features in the pseudogap phase

Shows Fermi surface reconstruction restricts quasiparticle participation in transport

Finds similar behavior with the arc model

Abstract

The pseudogap phase of the underdoped cuprates is the host to a variety of novel electronic phenomenon. An example is the dc-resistivity which shows metallic behaviour in the ab-plane, while the c-axis response is insulating. We apply a model, originally formulated by Yang, Rice, and Zhang, to study the resistivity in the pseudogap phase. This model is able to reproduce the qualitative features of the resistivity, including the systematic deviations from linear behaviour for the in-plane conductivity, and the insulating behaviour along the c-axis. We compare this to the predictions of the arc model and find similar qualitative behaviour. We find that the most important element in understanding the resistivity is the reconstruction of the Fermi surface, which puts strong restrictions on the number of quasiparticles allowed to participate in dc-transport.