Theory of the leading edge gap in underdoped cuprates

TL;DR

This paper develops a magnetic scenario-based theory explaining the leading edge gap in underdoped cuprates, linking increased paramagnon interactions with Fermi liquid destruction and precursor pairing phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces a novel magnetic interaction framework that accounts for the observed spectral features in underdoped high-$T_c$ cuprates.

Findings

Leading edge gap around 30 meV explained by magnetic interactions.

Broad spectral maximum near 150 meV linked to the same phenomena.

Fermi liquid breakdown as doping decreases.

Abstract

We present the theory of the leading edge gap in the normal state of underdoped high-$T_c$ materials. The consideration is based on a magnetic scenario for cuprates. We show that as doping decreases, the increasing interaction with paramagnons gives rise to a near destruction of the Fermi liquid and this in turn yields precursors to $d-$wave pairing. We argue that the leading edge gap at $\sim 30 meV$ and a broad maximum in the spectral function at $\sim150 meV$ are byproducts of the same physical phenomenon.