Interactions for odd-omega gap singlet superconductors

Abstract

A class of singlet superconductors with a gap function $\Delta (\mathbf{k},{\omega }_n)$ which is {\it odd} in both momentum and Matsubara frequency was proposed recently \cite{ba}. To show an instability in the {\it odd} gap channel, a model phonon propagator was used with the $p$-wave interaction strength larger than the $s$-wave. We argue that the positive scattering matrix element entering the Eliashberg equations leads to a constraint on the relative strength of $p$- and $s$-wave interactions which inhibits odd pairing. However, a general spin dependent electron-electron interaction can satisfy all constraints and produce the odd singlet gap. A possibility which may lead to an odd gap is a strongly antiferromagnetically correlated system, such as a high-$T_c$ material.

This paper corrects some errors (including the omission of one of the authors) in the original 9206003 and also a minor error in the published version, Phys. Rev. B {\bf 47}, 513 (1993). It also contains some comments on subsequent claims of the impossibility of odd-frequency pairing. Latex file