Arc-to-pocket transition and quantitative understanding of transport properties in cuprate superconductors

TL;DR

This study uses magnetotransport measurements on HgBa₂CuO₄+δ to clarify the phase transition between normal and reconstructed Fermi surface states in cuprate superconductors, revealing the role of Umklapp scattering in charge transport.

Contribution

It provides a quantitative analysis of the phase transition and charge transport in cuprates, advancing understanding of the Fermi surface evolution across the phase diagram.

Findings

Identified the quasiparticle scattering rate as due to Umklapp scattering in both states.

Clarified the phase transition between normal and reconstructed Fermi surface states.

Developed a comprehensive understanding of transport properties throughout the cuprate phase diagram.

Abstract

Despite immense efforts, the cuprate Fermi surface (FS) has been unambiguously determined in only two distinct, low-temperature regions of the phase diagram: a large hole-like FS at high doping, and a small electron-like pocket associated with charge-density-wave driven FS reconstruction at moderate doping. Moreover, there exists incomplete understanding of the reconstructed state, which is stabilized by high magnetic fields, and its connection with the normal state that consists of arc-like remnants of the large underlying FS. Part of the problem is that compound-specific idiosyncrasies, such as disorder effects and low structural symmetry, can obscure the fundamental properties of the quintessential CuO$_2$ planes. Here we present planar magnetotransport measurements for moderately-doped HgBa$_2$CuO$_{4+{\delta}}$ that enable a quantitative understanding of the phase transition between the normal and reconstructed states and of the charge transport in the latter, and that demonstrate that the quasiparticle scattering rate in both states is due to Umklapp scattering. Building on prior insights, we furthermore arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of the planar transport properties throughout the entire cuprate phase diagram.