High Tc Superconductors -- A Variational Theory of the Superconducting State

In this review, we single out selected universal features of high-$T_c$ and related systems, which can be compared with experiment. We start with the concept of real-space pairing, combined with strong correlations. The discussion of concrete properties relies on variational approach, based on renormalized mean-field theory (RMFT) in the form of statistically-consistent Gutzwiller approximation (SGA), and Diagrammatic Expansion of the Variational Wave Function (DE-GWF). Two e...

We show that, at weak to intermediate coupling, antiferromagnetic fluctuations enhance d-wave pairing correlations until, as one moves closer to half-filling, the antiferromagnetically-induced pseudogap begins to suppress the tendency to superconductivity. The accuracy of our approach is gauged by detailed comparisons with Quantum Monte Carlo simulations. The negative pressure dependence of Tc and the existence of photoemission hot spots in electron-doped cuprate superconduct...

In this paper the phase diagram of high $T_{c}$ cuprates is {\it qualitatively} studied in the context of competing orders: antiferromagnetism, d-wave superconductivity and $d$-density wave. {\it Local} correlation functions are estimated from a mean-field solution of the $t-J$ Hamiltonian. With decreasing doping the superconducting mean-field $T^{MF}_{c}$ and order parameter $d$ begin to decrease below some characteristic doping $x_{c} \simeq 0.2$ where short-range antiferro...

A fundamental connection between superconductivity and quantum spin fluctuations in underdoped cuprates, is revealed. A variational calculation shows that {\em Cooper pair hopping} strongly reduces the local magnetization $m_0$. This effect pertains to recent neutron scattering and muon spin rotation measurements in which $m_0$ varies weakly with hole doping in the poorly conducting regime, but drops precipitously above the onset of superconductivity.

We investigate the properties of cuprate superconductors subject to applied current, using modified Gutzwiller projected d-wave BCS states. The parent states include quasiparticle and quasihole pockets, of variationally determined size, generated by the current. We identify two different mechanisms for the destruction of superconductivity at the critical current: at high hole doping (x>0.15) the pockets grow and completely destroy the gap, in a BCS-like mechanism; in the unde...

I review progress in measurements of the dynamic spin susceptibility in the normal state which yield a new phase diagram and discuss microscopic calculations which yield qualitative, and in many cases, quantitative agreement with the measured changes in the quasiparticle, transport, magnetotransport, and optical properties of the cuprate superconductors as one varies doping and temperature provided one describes the systems as nearly anti-ferromagnetic Fermi liquids in which ...

Cuprate superconductors have long been known to exhibit an energy gap that persists high above the superconducting transition temperature ($T_c$). Debate has continued now for decades as to whether it is a precursor superconducting gap or a pseudogap arising from some competing correlation. Failure to resolve this has arguably delayed explaining the origins of superconductivity in these highly complex materials. Here we effectively settle the question by calculating a variety...

A brief history is offered concerning the relation of magnetism to superconductivity, and the possibility that magnetic correlations are responsible for certain types of superconductors. A central focus is on high temperature cuprate superconductivity and the important question of whether its d-wave pairing is caused by antiferromagnetic or singlet correlations. Connected with this question is the much debated relation of the pseudogap phase to the superconducting phase, and ...

We present a theoretical framework for understanding the behavior of the normal and superconducting states of overdoped cuprate high temperature superconductors in the vicinity of the doping-tuned quantum superconductor-to-metal transition. The key ingredients on which we focus are d-wave pairing, a flat antinodal dispersion, and disorder. Even for homogeneous disorder, these lead to effectively granular superconducting correlations and a superconducting transition temperatur...

We investigate the detailed structure of the T vs. doping phase diagram of hole doped High-Tc superconducting cuprates, from the point of view of a recently proposed comprehensive theory for these materials. We obtain, in particular, analytic expressions for the transition lines delimiting the Neel phase, TN (x), the Spin-Glass phase, Tg(x) and the CDW Charge Ordered phase, Tco(x). These, results along with the previously derived expressions for the transition lines delimitin...