Inhomogeneous Superconductivity and the ‘Pseudogap’ State of Novel Superconductors

This chapter discusses the high-Tc oxides, which display many unusual properties above Tc, especially for the underdoped compounds. One can observe some features typical for the superconducting state, such as the energy gap, anomalous diamagnetism, and the isotope effect; they coexist with finite resistance. These features are caused by an intrinsic inhomogeneity of the compound. Various energy scales (Tc, Tc*, T*) can be introduced. The system contains a set of superconducting ‘islands’ embedded in a normal metallic matrix. The inhomogeneity is caused by the statistical nature of doping and the pair-breaking effect. The formation of a macroscopic superconducting phase (at T = Tc) corresponds to the transition, which is of a percolative nature. The resistive and Meissner transitions are split. The granular superconductors are inhomogeneous and their properties are similar to those of doped systems. The ordered doping should lead to an increase in the value of the critical temperature.