Comparison of s- and d-wave gap symmetry in nonequilibrium superconductivity

E. J. Nicol; J. P. Carbotte

doi:10.1103/physrevb.67.214506

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Comparison of s- and d-wave gap symmetry in nonequilibrium superconductivity

E. J. Nicol·J. P. Carbotte

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Abstract

Recent application of ultrafast pump/probe optical techniques to superconductors has renewed interest in nonequilibrium superconductivity and the predictions that would be available for novel superconductors, such as the high-Tc cuprates. We have reexamined two of the classical models which have been used in the past to interpret nonequilibrium experiments with some success: the mu* model of Owen and Scalapino and the T* model of Parker. Predictions depend on pairing symmetry. For instance, the gap suppression due to excess quasiparticle density n in the mu* model, varies as n^{3/2} in d-wave as opposed to n for s-wave. Finally, we consider these models in the context of S-I-N tunneling and optical excitation experiments. While we confirm that recent pump/probe experiments in YBCO, as presently interpreted, are in conflict with d-wave pairing, we refute the further claim that they agree with s-wave.

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E. J. Nicol, J. P. Carbotte. 2003-07-13. Comparison of s- and d-wave gap symmetry in nonequilibrium superconductivity. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.67.214506

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