Nonmonotonic d_{x^2-y^2} Superconducting Order Parameter in Nd_{2-x}Ce_xCuO_4

TL;DR

This study uses polarized electronic Raman scattering to reveal a nonmonotonic d_{x^2-y^2} superconducting order parameter in Nd_{1.85}Ce_{0.15}CuO_4, highlighting the role of antiferromagnetic fluctuations.

Contribution

It provides direct experimental evidence of a nonmonotonic d_{x^2-y^2} order parameter in electron-doped cuprates, emphasizing the influence of antiferromagnetic fluctuations.

Findings

Maximum gap of 4.4 k_B T_c at hot spots

Smaller gap of 3.3 k_B T_c at zone boundaries

Role of antiferromagnetic fluctuations in pairing

Abstract

Low energy polarized electronic Raman scattering of the electron doped superconductor Nd_1.85Ce_0.15CuO_4 (T_c=22 K) has revealed a nonmonotonic d_{x^2-y^2} superconducting order parameter. It has a maximum gap of 4.4 k_BT_c at Fermi surface intersections with antiferromagnetic Brillouin zone (the ``hot spots'') and a smaller gap of 3.3 k_BT_c at fermionic Brillouin zone boundaries. The gap enhancement in the vicinity of the ``hot spots'' emphasizes role of antiferromagnetic fluctuations and similarity in the origin of superconductivity for electron- and hole-doped cuprates.