Pseudogap and Competing States in Underdoped Cuprates

TL;DR

This paper discusses the pseudogap phenomenon in underdoped cuprates, proposing that a competing state like the staggered flux state within vortex cores is key to understanding high-temperature superconductivity.

Contribution

It introduces the idea that the pseudogap is linked to a competing state, specifically the staggered flux state, in the vortex core, advancing the understanding of high Tc superconductors.

Findings

Pseudogap is associated with a competing state in vortex cores.

The staggered flux state is a promising candidate for this competing state.

Experimental tests are proposed to validate these ideas.

Abstract

I shall argue that the high Tc problem is the problem of doping into a Mott insulator. Furthermore, the well documented pseudo-gap phenomenon in underdoped cuprates holds the key to understanding this physics. Phase fluctuation alone cannot explain this phenomenon, but there is a clear need to identify a competing state which lives in the vortex core. The staggered flux state is a good candidate for the competing state and experimental tests of these ideas will be discussed.