Condensed Matter Physics Seminar
2 p.m., Thursday, September 12, 2002
Room 1201, Physics Building
Detection and Implications of a Time-reversal-breaking State in the Cuprates
Chandra Varma
(Lucent Technologies)
Abstract: Near optimal doping, the Cuprates display properties
characterestic of fluctuations near a Quantum Critical Point. A symmetry
breaking in the underdoped cuprates is therefore expected. A theory predicts a
very elusive time-reversal breaking phase in this region. I will describe
the symmetry considerations using which such a phase appears to have been
detected recently by circularly polarized photoemission experiments. The
implications of this experiment, if correct, are that the essentials of a
microscopic theory of the Cuprates may have been found.
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Host: Das Sarma
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