A quantum critical superconducting phase transition in quasi-two-dimensional systems with Dirac electrons

TL;DR

This paper develops a theoretical model for superconducting phase transitions in quasi-two-dimensional Dirac electron systems, revealing a quantum critical point that may relate to high-Tc superconductivity mechanisms.

Contribution

It introduces a new theory describing quantum phase transitions in Dirac electron systems, linking them to high-Tc cuprate superconductivity.

Findings

Identifies a quantum phase transition at T=0 between normal and superconducting phases.

Reproduces the superconducting transition observed in underdoped high-Tc cuprates.

Suggests Dirac electrons could play a role in high-temperature superconductivity.

Abstract

We present a theory describing the superconducting (SC) interaction of Dirac electrons in a quasi-two-dimensional system consisting of a stack of N planes. The occurrence of a SC phase is investigated both at T = 0 and T 5 0. At T = 0, we find a quantum phase transition connecting the normal and SC phases. Our theory qualitatively reproduces the SC phase transition occurring in the underdoped regime of the high-Tc cuprates. This fact points to the possible relevance of Dirac electrons in the mechanism of high-Tc superconductivity.