Impact of rotational symmetry breaking on $d$-wave superconductivity in Hubbard models for cuprate and nickelate superconductors

TL;DR

This study investigates how breaking rotational symmetry affects $d$-wave superconductivity in Hubbard models for cuprates and nickelates, revealing that anisotropy generally suppresses pairing and influences critical temperatures.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of two symmetry-breaking mechanisms and demonstrates their impact on $d$-wave pairing using quantum Monte Carlo methods.

Findings

Anisotropy reduces $d$-wave pairing strength.

Intrinsic anisotropy may explain lower $T_c$ in nickelates.

Symmetry breaking mechanisms influence superconductivity in cuprates and nickelates.

Abstract

Recent experiments have revealed the substantial impact of broken rotational symmetry on the superconductivity. In the pursuit of understanding the role played by this symmetry breaking particularly in cuprate and nickelate superconductors on their superconductivity, we investigated two characteristic symmetry breaking mechanisms arising from (1) structurally orthogonal distortions from $C_4$ to $C_2$ symmetry and (2) anisotropic hybridization between $d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbital and an additional metallic band within the framework of the Hubbard model by employing dynamic cluster quantum Monte Carlo calculations. We discovered that the anisotropy is generically detrimental to the $d$-wave pairing so that the experimental findings of much lower superconducting $T_c$ of infinite-layer nickelates compared with the cuprates may be connected to the intrinsic anisotropy. Our exploration sheds light on the fundamental anisotropy factors governing superconductivity in nickelates and cuprates and offer insights contributing to the broader understanding of unconventional superconductors in anisotropic environment.