Reconsidering the interpretation of quantum oscillation experiments on underdoped YBa(2)Cu(3)O(6+x)

Abstract

On the basis of negative transport coefficients, it has been argued that the quantum oscillations observed in underdoped YBa(2)Cu(3)O(6+x) in high magnetic fields must be due to antinodal electron pockets. We point out a counter example in which electron-like transport in a hole-doped cuprate is associated with Fermi-arc states. We also present evidence that the antinodal gap in YBa(2)Cu(3)O(6+x) is robust to modest applied magnetic fields. We suggest that these observations should be taken into account when interpreting the results of the quantum oscillation experiments.

3+eps pages, 2 figures; final version, accepted in PRB, has new title, completely rewritten and simplified text