Absence of time reversal symmetry breaking in La_{2-x}Sr_{x}CuO_{4}

Abstract

We have performed zero-field muon spin rotation measurements on single crystals of La_{2-x}Sr_{x}CuO_{4} to search for spontaneous currents in the pseudo-gap state. By comparing measurements on materials across the phase diagram, we put strict upper limits on any possible time-reversal symmetry breaking fields that could be associated with the pseudo-gap. Comparison between experimental limits and proposed circulating current states effectively eliminates the possibility that such states exist in this family of materials.

Submitted to Phys. Rev. Lett. (2008)