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Electron–Phonon Coupling in Eliashberg–McMillan Theory Beyond Adiabatic Approximation

Journal Article · · Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics
Eliashberg–McMillan theory of superconductivity is essentially based on the adiabatic approximation. Small parameter of perturbation theory is given by λ((Ω{sub 0})/(E{sub F})) ≪ 1, where λ is the dimensionless electron–phonon coupling constant, Ω{sub 0} is characteristic phonon frequency, while E{sub F} is Fermi energy of electrons. Here we present an attempt to describe the electron–phonon interaction within Eliashberg–McMillan approach in situation, when characteristic phonon frequency Ω{sub 0} becomes large enough (comparable to, or exceeding, the Fermi energy E{sub F}). We consider the general definition of electron–phonon pairing coupling constant λ, taking into account the finite value of phonon frequency. Also, we obtain the simple expression for generalized coupling constant λ-tilde that determines the mass renormalization, with the account of finite width of conduction band, which describes the smooth transition from the adiabatic regime to the region of strong nonadiabaticity. In the case of strong nonadiabaticity, when Ω{sub 0} ≫ E{sub F}, the new small parameter appears, λ((E{sub F})/(Ω{sub 0})) ~ λ(D/(Ω{sub 0})) ≪ 1 (D is conduction band half-width), and corrections to electronic spectrum become irrelevant. At the same time, the temperature of superconducting transition T{sub c} in antiadiabatic limit is still determined by Eliashberg–McMillan coupling constant λ, while the preexponential factor in the expression for T{sub c}, conserving the form typical of weak-coupling theory, is determined by the bandwidth (Fermi energy). For the case of interaction with a single optical phonon, we derive the single expression for T{sub c}, valid both in adiabatic and antiadiabatic regimes and describing the continuous transition between these two limiting cases. The results obtained are discussed in the context of superconductivity in FeSe/STO.
OSTI ID:
22917779
Journal Information:
Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 128; ISSN JTPHES; ISSN 1063-7761
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English