CoO2-Layer-Thickness Dependence of Magnetic Properties and Possible Two Different Superconducting States in NaxCoO2.yH2O

Abstract

In order to understand the experimentally proposed phase diagrams of NaxCoO2.yH2O, we theoretically study the CoO2-layer-thickness dependence of magnetic and superconducting (SC) properties by analyzing a multiorbital Hubbard model using the random phase approximation. When the Co valence (s) is +3.4, we show that the magnetic fluctuation exhibits strong layer-thickness dependence where it is enhanced at finite (zero) momentum in the thicker (thinner) layer system. A magnetic order phase appears sandwiched by two SC phases, consistent with the experiments. These two SC phases have different pairing states where one is the singlet extended s-wave state and the other is the triplet p-wave state. On the other hand, only a triplet p-wave SC phase with dome-shaped behavior of Tc is predicted when s=+3.5, which is also consistent with the experiments. Controversial experimental results on the magnetic properties are also discussed.