Hidden pair-density-wave order in cuprate superconductors

TL;DR

This paper investigates a hidden pair-density-wave order in cuprate superconductors, revealing it as a subsidiary order that coexists with charge-density-wave order in the superconducting state, without producing a distinct gap.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical framework showing the emergence of a hidden pair-density-wave order linked to pseudogap effects in cuprates, not previously identified.

Findings

Hidden pair-density-wave order coexists with charge-density-wave in superconducting state

No ordered gap is produced by the pair-density-wave onset

The hidden order is absent in the normal state

Abstract

When the Mott insulating state is suppressed by charge carrier doping, the pseudogap phenomenon emerges, where at the low-temperature limit, superconductivity coexists with some ordered electronic states. Within the framework of the kinetic-energy-driven superconductivity, the nature of the pair-density-wave order in cuprate superconductors is studied by taking into account the pseudogap effect. It is shown that the onset of the pair-density-wave order does not produce an ordered gap, but rather a novel hidden order as a result of the interplay of the charge-density-wave order with superconductivity. As a consequence, this novel hidden pair-density-wave order as a subsidiary order parameter coexists with the charge-density-wave order in the superconducting-state, and is absent from the normal-state.