Weak phase stiffness and nature of the quantum critical point in underdoped cuprates

Abstract

We demonstrate that the zero-temperature superconducting phase diagram of underdoped cuprates can be quantitatively understood in the strong binding limit, using only the experimental spectral function of the "normal" pseudo-gap phase without any free parameter. In the prototypical (La$_{1-x}$Sr$_x$)$_2$CuO$_4$, a kinetics-driven $d$-wave superconductivity is obtained above the critical doping $δ_c\sim 5.2\%$, below which complete loss of superfluidity results from local quantum fluctuation involving local $p$-wave pairs. Near the critical doping, a enormous mass enhancement of the local pairs is found responsible for the observed rapid decrease of phase stiffness. Finally, a striking mass divergence is predicted at $δ_c$ that dictates the occurrence of the observed quantum critical point and the abrupt suppression of the Nernst effects in the nearby region.

6 pages, 4 ifgures