# Theory of the Nodal Nematic Quantum Phase Transition in Superconductors

 Title: Theory of the Nodal Nematic Quantum Phase Transition in Superconductors Author: Kim, Eun-Ah; Oreto, Paul; Fradkin, Eduardo; Sachdev, Subir; Lawler, Michael J.; Kivelson, Steven A. Note: Order does not necessarily reflect citation order of authors. Citation: Kim, Eun-Ah, Michael J. Lawler, Paul Oreto, Subir Sachdev, Eduardo Fradkin, and Steven A. Kivelson. 2008. Theory of the nodal nematic quantum phase transition in superconductors. Physical Review B 77(18): 184514. Full Text & Related Files: 0705.4099v3.pdf (786.4Kb; PDF) Abstract: We study the character of an Ising nematic quantum phase transition deep inside a $$d$$-wave superconducting state with nodal quasiparticles in a two-dimensional tetragonal crystal. We find that, within a $$1∕N$$ expansion, the transition is continuous. To leading order in $$1∕N$$, quantum fluctuations enhance the dispersion anisotropy of the nodal excitations and cause strong scattering, which critically broadens the quasiparticle (qp) peaks in the spectral function, except in a narrow wedge in momentum space near the Fermi surface where the qps remain sharp. We also consider the possible existence of a nematic glass phase in the presence of weak disorder. Some possible implications for cuprate physics are also discussed. Published Version: doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.77.184514 Other Sources: http://arxiv.org/abs/0705.4099 Terms of Use: This article is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Open Access Policy Articles, as set forth at http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of-use#OAP Citable link to this page: http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:7784445 Downloads of this work: