Detecting the quantum zero-point motion of vortices in the cuprate superconductors

TL;DR

This paper investigates the quantum zero-point motion of vortices in cuprate superconductors, using STM data to estimate vortex mass and discussing experimental signatures of vortex quantum dynamics.

Contribution

It applies a recent theory of vortex quantum dynamics to experimental STM data, providing estimates of vortex inertial mass and suggesting new experimental signatures.

Findings

Estimated vortex inertial mass from STM data

Identified modulations in local density of states due to vortex motion

Proposed experimental signatures of vortex quantum dynamics

Abstract

We explore the experimental implications of a recent theory of the quantum dynamics of vortices in two-dimensional superfluids proximate to Mott insulators. The theory predicts modulations in the local density of states in the regions over which the vortices execute their quantum zero point motion. We use the spatial extent of such modulations in scanning tunnelling microscopy measurements on the vortex lattice of BSCCO to estimate the inertial mass of a point vortex. We discuss other, more direct, experimental signatures of the vortex dynamics.