Quantum oscillations from a pair-density wave

TL;DR

This paper investigates how pair-density waves in cuprate superconductors influence quantum oscillations, revealing that second-order scattering pockets can cause such oscillations, with implications for understanding the Fermi surface reconstruction.

Contribution

It demonstrates that quantum oscillations originate from second-order scattering pockets in pair-density wave states, challenging previous assumptions about first-order scattering effects.

Findings

Second-order scattering pockets induce quantum oscillations.

Finite correlation length has minimal impact on oscillation signals.

Bidirectional pair-density waves can produce observed oscillation frequencies.

Abstract

A pair-density wave state has been suggested to exist in underdoped cuprate superconductors, with some supporting experimental evidence emerging over the past few years from scanning tunneling spectroscopy. Several studies have also linked the observed quantum oscillations in these systems to a reconstruction of the Fermi surface by a pair-density wave. Here, we show, using semiclassical analysis and numerical calculations, that a Fermi pocket created by first-order scattering from a pair-density wave cannot induce such oscillations. In contrast, pockets resulting from second-order scattering can cause oscillations. We consider the effects of a finite pair-density wave correlation length on the signal, and demonstrate that it is only weakly sensitive to disorder in the form of $\pi$-phase slips. Finally, we discuss our results in the context of the cuprates and show that a bidirectional pair-density wave may produce observed oscillation frequencies.