Distinguishing the origin of the superconducting state from the pseudogap of high-temperature superconductors

Abstract

We consider an electronic phase separation process that generates regions of different charge densities, or local dopings, as the origin of the inhomogeneous charge density of high $T_c$ superconductors. We show that it gives rise to a phase boundary potential between such doping disordered regions or grains. The Bogliubov-deGennes self-consistent calculations in this disordered medium yield position dependent superconducting gaps which are, for all dopings, smaller than those derived from the local density of states with a pseudogap behavior. Studying these two sets of gaps for different temperatures and dopings, we are able to reproduce many many observed properties of superconducting cuprates. This scenario is consistent with a resistivity transition driven by Josephson coupling among the superconducting grains.