Topological Defects Coupling Smectic Modulations to Intra–Unit-Cell Nematicity in Cuprates
We study the coexisting smectic modulations and intra-unit-cell nematicity in the pseudogap states of underdoped Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}CaCu{sub 2}O{sub 8+{delta}}. By visualizing their spatial components separately, we identified 2{pi} topological defects throughout the phase-fluctuating smectic states. Imaging the locations of large numbers of these topological defects simultaneously with the fluctuations in the intra-unit-cell nematicity revealed strong empirical evidence for a coupling between them. From these observations, we propose a Ginzburg-Landau functional describing this coupling and demonstrate how it can explain the coexistence of the smectic and intra-unit-cell broken symmetries and also correctly predict their interplay at the atomic scale. This theoretical perspective can lead to unraveling the complexities of the phase diagram of cuprate high-critical-temperature superconductors.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE SC OFFICE OF SCIENCE (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-98CH10886
- OSTI ID:
- 1040492
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-96241-2011-JA; SCIEAS; R&D Project: PM-007; KC0202020; TRN: US1202467
- Journal Information:
- Science (Washington, D.C.), Vol. 333, Issue 6041; ISSN 0036-8075
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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