Time-reversal symmetry breaking by a $(d+id)$ density-wave state in underdoped cuprate superconductors

Abstract

It was proposed that the $i{d}_{x^2-y^2}$ density-wave state (DDW) may be responsible for the pseudogap behavior in the underdoped cuprates. Here we show that the admixture of a small $d_{xy}$ component to the DDW state breaks the symmetry between the counter-propagating orbital currents of the DDW state and, thus, violates the macroscopic time-reversal symmetry. This symmetry breaking results in a non-zero polar Kerr effect, which has recently been observed in the pseudogap phase.

4 pages, 3 eps figures; minor typos corrected, references updated, new title as suggested by the PRL editor; references updated, final version as published in PRL

References in corpus (3)

• Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations in YBa_2Cu_4O_8
• An explanation for a universality of transition temperatures in families of copper oxide superconductors
• Infrared Hall angle in the $d$-density wave state: a comparison of theory and experiment