Mixed-state quasiparticle transport in high-T_c cuprates: localization by magnetic field

TL;DR

This paper develops a theory for quasiparticle transport in disordered vortex states of high-T_c cuprates, explaining a universal high-field thermal conductivity plateau observed experimentally.

Contribution

It introduces a novel universal regime at high magnetic fields where thermal conductivity becomes field-independent in d-wave superconductors.

Findings

Identification of a universal high-field regime with constant thermal conductivity

Explanation of the experimentally observed high-field thermal conductivity plateau

Development of a theoretical framework for quasiparticle transport in disordered vortex states

Abstract

Theory of quasiparticle transport in the mixed state of a d-wave superconductor is developed under the assumption of disordered vortex array. A novel universal regime is identified at fields above H*= c*H_{c2}(T/T_c)^2, characterized by a field-independent longitudinal thermal conductivity. It is argued that this behavior is responsible for the high-field plateau in the thermal conductivity experimentally observed in cuprates by Krishana, Ong and co-workers.