Pseudogap above Tc in a model with d_{x^2-y^2} pairing

TL;DR

This paper investigates how pairing correlations in a 2D d-wave superconductor model create a pseudogap above the critical temperature, affecting the electronic spectral function and Fermi surface, with implications for cuprate superconductors.

Contribution

It introduces a self-consistent model demonstrating pseudogap formation above T_c due to pairing correlations in a d-wave superconductor.

Findings

Pseudogap appears anisotropically above T_c

Fermi surface is destroyed by pairing correlations

Results align with ARPES observations in cuprates

Abstract

We study the anomalous normal state properties of a simple two-dimensional model whose ground state is a d-wave superconductor. Using a self-consistent, conserving formulation, we show that pairing correlations above T_c lead to the appearance of a highly anisotropic pseudogap in the electronic spectral function and the destruction of the Fermi surface. We discuss the similarities and differences between our results and ARPES experiments on underdoped cuprates.