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arXiv · 0711.2329

Time-reversal symmetry breaking by a $(d+id)$ density-wave state in underdoped cuprate superconductors

Sumanta Tewari·Chuanwei Zhang·Victor M. Yakovenko·S. Das Sarma
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Abstract

It was proposed that the $id_{x^2-y^2}$ density-wave state (DDW) may be responsible for the pseudogap behavior in the underdoped cuprates. Here we show that the admixture of a small $d_{xy}$ component to the DDW state breaks the symmetry between the counter-propagating orbital currents of the DDW state and, thus, violates the macroscopic time-reversal symmetry. This symmetry breaking results in a non-zero polar Kerr effect, which has recently been observed in the pseudogap phase.

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Sumanta Tewari, Chuanwei Zhang, Victor M. Yakovenko, S. Das Sarma. 2008-06-04. Time-reversal symmetry breaking by a $(d+id)$ density-wave state in underdoped cuprate superconductors. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.100.217004

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