Singularity of the london penetration depth at quantum critical points in superconductors

Debanjan Chowdhury, Brian Swingle, Erez Berg, Subir Sachdev

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We present a general theory of the singularity in the London penetration depth at symmetry-breaking and topological quantum critical points within a superconducting phase. While the critical exponents and ratios of amplitudes on the two sides of the transition are universal, an overall sign depends upon the interplay between the critical theory and the underlying Fermi surface. We determine these features for critical points to spin density wave and nematic ordering, and for a topological transition between a superconductor with Z 2 fractionalization and a conventional superconductor. We note implications for recent measurements of the London penetration depth in BaFe2(As1-xPx)2.

Original languageEnglish
Article number157004
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume111
Issue number15
DOIs
StatePublished - 10 Oct 2013

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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