Pairing symmetry in cuprate superconductors

C. C. Tsuei and J. R. Kirtley
Rev. Mod. Phys. 72, 969 – Published 1 October 2000
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Abstract

Pairing symmetry in the cuprate superconductors is an important and controversial topic. The recent development of phase-sensitive tests, combined with the refinement of several other symmetry-sensitive techniques, has for the most part settled this controversy in favor of predominantly d-wave symmetry for a number of optimally hole- and electron-doped cuprates. This paper begins by reviewing the concepts of the order parameter, symmetry breaking, and symmetry classification in the context of the cuprates. After a brief survey of some of the key non-phase-sensitive tests of pairing symmetry, the authors extensively review the phase-sensitive methods, which use the half-integer flux-quantum effect as an unambiguous signature for d-wave pairing symmetry. A number of related symmetry-sensitive experiments are described. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the implications, both fundamental and applied, of the predominantly d-wave pairing symmetry in the cuprates.

    DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.72.969

    ©2000 American Physical Society

    Authors & Affiliations

    C. C. Tsuei and J. R. Kirtley

    • IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, P.O. Box 218, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598

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    Issue

    Vol. 72, Iss. 4 — October - December 2000

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