Magnetic field dependence of the temperature derivative of resistivity: a probe for distinguishing the effects of pseudogap and superconducting fluctuations in cuprates

TL;DR

This study uses the magnetic field dependence of the temperature derivative of resistivity to differentiate between pseudogap and superconducting fluctuation effects in cuprate superconductors, revealing distinct physical origins.

Contribution

It introduces a method to distinguish pseudogap and superconducting fluctuations using the magnetic field dependence of resistivity derivatives in cuprates.

Findings

Identified clear differences in resistivity derivative behavior at Tscf and TPG.

Demonstrated that Tscf and TPG have different physical origins.

Provided a new experimental approach for studying cuprate phase diagrams.

Abstract

We have studied the magnetic field dependence of the temperature derivative of the resistivity, dr(H,T)/dT, of a number of Y1-xCaxBa2(Cu1-yZny)3O7-d crystalline thin films over a wide range of sample compositions. From the analysis of the temperature derivative data we have been able to distinguish quite clearly between two characteristic temperature scales, (a) the onset of strong superconducting fluctuation temperature, Tscf and (b) the pseudogap temperature, TPG. Significantly different characteristic features of dr(H,T)/dT at Tscf and at TPG imply that Tscf and TPG have different physical origins.