Modulated spin and charge densities in cuprate superconductors

TL;DR

This paper reviews neutron scattering data on spin and charge correlations in cuprate superconductors, emphasizing empirical facts and minimal-assumption connections to better understand their complex behaviors.

Contribution

It distinguishes empirical observations from theoretical interpretations, clarifying what can be directly inferred from neutron scattering experiments in cuprates.

Findings

Neutron scattering reveals specific spin and charge correlation patterns.

Empirical facts are identified that are independent of theoretical models.

Connections between data and theories are discussed with minimal assumptions.

Abstract

Neutron scattering experiments have played a crucial role in characterizing the spin and charge correlations in copper-oxide superconductors. While the data are often interpreted with respect to specific theories of the cuprates, an attempt is made here to distinguish those facts that can be extracted empirically, and the connections that can be made with minimal assumptions.