Correlation-assisted topological and metamagnetic transitions in Rashba-coupled superconductors: $t$-$J$-$U$ model study
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Unconventional superconductivity commonly emerges in systems characterized by strong electronic correlations, with layered copper-oxides serving as a canonical example. Observation of spin-momentum locking within Bi-family of the cuprates, compatible with the presence of non-negligible Rashba-type spin-orbit coupling (RSOC), calls for an investigation of the joint effects of electronic correlations and RSOC on pairing in copper-oxide and related superconductors. Employing statistically-consistent variational approximation (SGA), we carry out such an analysis by constructing the phase diagram for the case of square-lattice \textit{t-J-U} model incorporating RSOC. We also investigate the effects of time-reversal-symmetry breaking by Zeeman field, as well as characterize emergent topological superconducting (TSC) states. Chern number $C = \pm 4$ TSC is found in a broad regime of on-site Coulomb repulsion close to half-filling. The latter is not governed by correlations and emerges also within the weak-coupling Bogoliubov-de Gennes (BdG) scheme. Yet, we identify a distinct $C = \pm 2$ TSC state that is driven specifically by electronic correlations via a topological transition occurring with no bulk quasiparticle gap closure, and is accompanied by discontinuous metamagnetic and Lifshitz transitions. Moreover, a qualitatively distinct doping evolution of the $d$- and $p$-wave components of the underlying mixed-parity SC order parameter above the metal-to-insulator transition is demonstrated. Our work points toward the relevance of joint correlation and RSOC effects beyond BdG scheme to phase diagrams of RSOC-coupled superconductors.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Authors: Dey, Tushar, Fidrysiak, Maciej, Spałek, Józef
Institution: Jagiellonian University
Language: English
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Narodowe Centrum Nauki
Awards: G2306994601, G2411070588
OpenAlex ID: W7214914204
