# Theoretical studies for identifying horizontal line nodes via angle-resolved density of states measurements ---Application to Sr$_2$RuO$_{4}$---

## TL;DR

This paper uses microscopic quasi-classical theory to analyze angle-resolved specific heat data for Sr$_2$RuO$_{4}$, providing evidence for horizontal line nodes in its superconducting gap structure.

## Contribution

It demonstrates the application of theoretical analysis to identify horizontal line nodes in Sr$_2$RuO$_{4}$ using angle-resolved thermodynamic measurements, considering multiband and Pauli effects.

## Key findings

- Horizontal line node symmetry best explains the experimental data.
- The landscape of in-plane oscillation amplitude $A_4(B, T)$ has a definite sign across the $B$-$T$ plane.
- Identification of an anomalous low-temperature field region in the data.

## Abstract

On the basis of the microscopic quasi-classical Eilenberger theory, we analyze the recent angle-resolved specific heat experiment carried out at low temperature for Sr$_2$RuO$_{4}$ to identify the superconducting gap symmetry, comprising either horizontal or vertical line nodes relative to the tetragonal crystal symmetry. Several characteristics, in particular, the landscape of the in-plane oscillation amplitude $A_4(B, T)$ with a definite sign for almost the entire $B$-$T$ plane are best explained by the horizontal line node symmetry, especially when the multiband effect and Pauli paramagnetic effect are taken into account. The present analysis of $A_4(B,T)$ with definite sign points to the presence of an anomalous field region at a lower temperature in the experimental data, whose origin is investigated. Our theory demonstrates the application and uniqueness of the field-rotating thermodynamic measurements in uncovering the precise gap structure for target materials.