Symmetries of electron interactions in Hubbard models of unconventional superconductors

Abstract

We use symmetry arguments to show that the matrix elements of electron-electron interaction on a lattice reach extrema in states composed of wavevectors near high-symmetry points of the Brillouin zone. The mechanism is illustrated by minimal models of cuprates and Fe-based superconductors, where this dependence originates from the wavevector-dependent orbital composition of wavefunctions. We discuss how these dependences can facilitate finite-momentum pairing. Our results provide symmetry-based guidance for the search for new high-temperature superconductors.