A Simple Model for the Checkerboard Pattern of Modulated Hole Densities in Underdoped Cuprates

TL;DR

This paper proposes a simple model explaining the checkerboard pattern of hole density modulations in underdoped cuprates, based on dopant distribution and interactions, aligning qualitatively with experimental observations.

Contribution

It introduces a minimal model linking dopant arrangements and interactions to observed density patterns in cuprates, providing a qualitative explanation.

Findings

Model reproduces checkerboard pattern qualitatively

Highlights role of dopant distribution and interactions

Aligns with recent tunneling experiment observations

Abstract

A simple model is proposed as a possible explanation for the checkerboard pattern of modulations in the hole density observed in recent tunneling experiments on underdoped cuprates. Two assumptions are made; first, an enhanced hole density near the acceptor dopants and secondly short range correlations in the positions of these dopants caused by their electrostatic and anisotropic elastic interactions. Together these can lead to a structure factor in qualitative agreement with experiment.