Quantum interference in dirty d-wave superconductors

TL;DR

This paper investigates how quantum interference among impurities affects quasiparticle spectra in disordered d-wave superconductors, using numerical simulations that align well with STM experimental data.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of impurity-induced spectra considering quantum interference, aiding in determining impurity scattering characteristics.

Findings

Quantum interference significantly influences quasiparticle spectra.

Numerical simulations match STM observations in detail.

Analysis can identify impurity scattering potential parameters.

Abstract

The local differential tunneling conductance on a Zn impurity in a disordered d-wave superconductors is studied. Quantum interference between many impurities leads to definitive quasiparticle spectra. We suggest that an elaborate analysis on impurity-induced spectra with quantum interference effect included may be able to pin down the sign and strength of the scattering potential of a Zn impurity in low density limit. Numerical simulations calculated with appropriately determined impurity parameters are in satisfactory agreement with the observations from scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments even in subtle details.