Intertwined nematic and d-wave superconductive orders in optimally-doped La1.84Sr0.16CuO4

TL;DR

This study uses advanced angular-resolved resistivity measurements to identify intertwined nematic and d-wave superconducting orders in optimally doped LSCO, revealing their symmetries and phase diagram.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental approach to distinguish nematic and d-wave superconducting fluctuations via angular dependence, advancing understanding of high-Tc superconductivity mechanisms.

Findings

Identification of nematic and d-wave superconductive orders with distinct symmetries.

Mapping of a detailed T-B phase diagram of superconducting fluctuations.

Evidence of intertwined orders related to pair and charge density waves.

Abstract

The anisotropy of the superconducting state and superconducting fluctuations in the CuO2 plane is directly related to the superconducting mechanism of copper oxide superconductors and is therefore pivotal for understanding high-temperature superconductivity. Here, we integrated the high-precision angle-resolved resistivity (ARR) measurement with a rotatable in-plane magnetic field to systematically study the angular dependence of superconducting fluctuations in optimally doped La1.84Sr0.16CuO4 (LSCO). By independently controlling the directions of the current and the magnetic field, we are able to isolate the magneto-resistivity contributed by the superconducting vortex motion and distinguish excitations from nematic superconductivity and d-wave superconductive order based on their respective C2 and C4 symmetries. Signatures of two intertwined superconductive orders are also evident in the measured angular dependence of the critical current. A T-B phase diagram of different types of superconducting fluctuations is determined. These findings are closely related to other intriguing phenomena, such as pair density wave and charge density wave.