Signature of quantum criticality in cuprates by charge density fluctuations
Journal article, 2023
The universality of the strange metal phase in many quantum materials is often attributed to the presence of a quantum critical point (QCP), a zero-temperature phase transition ruled by quantum fluctuations. In cuprates, where superconductivity hinders direct QCP observation, indirect evidence comes from the identification of fluctuations compatible with the strange metal phase. Here we show that the recently discovered charge density fluctuations (CDF) possess the right properties to be associated to a quantum phase transition. Using resonant x-ray scattering, we studied the CDF in two families of cuprate superconductors across a wide doping range (up to p = 0.22). At p* ≈ 0.19, the putative QCP, the CDF intensity peaks, and the characteristic energy Δ is minimum, marking a wedge-shaped region in the phase diagram indicative of a quantum critical behavior, albeit with anomalies. These findings strengthen the role of charge order in explaining strange metal phenomenology and provide insights into high-temperature superconductivity.
Author
Riccardo Arpaia
Chalmers, Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Quantum Device Physics
L. Martinelli
Polytechnic University of Milan
Marco Moretti Sala
Polytechnic University of Milan
S. Caprara
Sapienza University of Rome
Istituto Dei Sistemi Complessi, Rome
Abhishek Nag
Diamond Light Source
Nicholas B. Brookes
European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF)
Pietro Camisa
Polytechnic University of Milan
Qizhi Li
Beijing University of Technology
Qiang Gao
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xingjiang Zhou
Chinese Academy of Sciences
M. Garcia-Fernandez
Diamond Light Source
Ke Jin Zhou
Diamond Light Source
Enrico Schierle
Helmholtz
Thilo Bauch
Chalmers, Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Quantum Device Physics
Y. Y. Peng
Beijing University of Technology
C. Di Castro
Sapienza University of Rome
M. Grilli
Sapienza University of Rome
Istituto Dei Sistemi Complessi, Rome
Floriana Lombardi
Chalmers, Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Quantum Device Physics
Lucio Braicovich
European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF)
Polytechnic University of Milan
Giacomo Ghiringhelli
Polytechnic University of Milan
Nature Communications
2041-1723 (ISSN) 20411723 (eISSN)
Vol. 14 1 7198Quantum Fluctuations and Entanglement in High-Tc Superconductors
Swedish Research Council (VR) (2020-05184), 2021-01-01 -- 2024-12-31.
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Subject Categories
Theoretical Chemistry
Fusion, Plasma and Space Physics
Condensed Matter Physics
DOI
10.1038/s41467-023-42961-5
PubMed
37938250