# Superconductivity above a quantum critical point in a metal -- gap closing vs gap filling, Fermi arcs, and pseudogap behavior

## TL;DR

This paper explores the interplay of superconductivity and non-Fermi liquid behavior near a quantum critical point, revealing how gap filling and closing phenomena relate to Fermi arcs and pseudogap in cuprates.

## Contribution

It introduces a theoretical framework distinguishing gap filling and closing in a quantum-critical metal, connecting these phenomena to Fermi arcs and pseudogap behavior.

## Key findings

- Superconductivity emerges below a finite temperature T_p with a lower crossover T_{cross}.
- DOS and SF show gap closing below T_{cross} and gap filling above it.
- Fermi arcs and pseudogap behaviors are explained by phase fluctuations and the competition between pairing and non-Fermi liquid effects.

## Abstract

We consider a quantum-critical metal with interaction mediated by fluctuations of a critical order parameter. This interaction gives rise to two competing tendencies -- pairing and non-Fermi liquid behavior. Due to competition, the pairing develops below a finite $T_p $, however its prominent feedback on the fermionic self-energy develops only at a lower $ T_{cross}$. At $T<T_{cross}$ the system behavior is similar to that of a BCS supercoductor -- the density of states (DOS) and the spectral function (SF) have sharp gaps which close as $T$ increases. At higher $T_{cross}<T<T_{p}$ the DOS has a dip, which {\it fills in} with increasing $T$. The SF in this region shows either the same behavior as the DOS, or has a peak at $\omega =0$ (the Fermi arc), depending on the position on the Fermi surface. We argue that phase fluctuations are strong in this $T$ range, and the actual $T_c \sim T_{cross}$, while $T_p$ marks the onset of pseugogap behavior. We compare our theory with the behavior of optimally doped cuprates.