Symmetry Considerations for detection of Time-reversal Breaking Phases in Cuprates by X-ray Diffraction and Absorption

TL;DR

This paper explores how symmetry-breaking phases in cuprates, specifically time-reversal and inversion breaking, can be detected using X-ray diffraction and absorption techniques, providing alternative methods to ARPES.

Contribution

It proposes and discusses the use of resonant X-ray scattering and dichroism measurements as independent experimental approaches to detect symmetry-breaking in cuprates.

Findings

Time-reversal and inversion breaking can be detected via X-ray techniques.

Resonant X-ray scattering reveals symmetry-breaking in cuprates.

Non-reciprocal and magnetochiral dichroism are effective probes.

Abstract

Time-reversal and inversion breaking in the pseudogap region of the cuprate compounds have been proposed and detected by means of ARPES in the compound Bi-2212. Given the implication of the effect in the physics of the cuprate superconductors, it is important to check the conclusions through quite independent experimental techniques. We show how time-reversal and inversion breaking may be revealed in the Cuprates through resonant x-ray scattering and through non-reciprocal or magnetochiral dichroism.