Van Hove scenario for d-wave superconductivity in cuprates

Abstract

The Van Hove scenario has so far been primarily based on the assumption of s-wave pairing as regards the treatment of superconducting properties. We investigate the assumption that pairing is dx2-y2 symmetry in an investigation of transition temperature, gap, and specific-heat jump at the BCS level of approximation. It is found that the effect of the Van Hove singularity on these properties is similar to, and at least as strong as, the effect in s wave. The d-wave version of the Van Hove scenario is found to be fully viable. © 1995 The American Physical Society.