Dynamic Correlations in Disordered Systems: Implications for High-Temperature Superconductivity

Liquids and gases are distinct in their extent of dynamic atomic correlations; in gases, atoms are almost uncorrelated, whereas they are strongly correlated in liquids. This distinction applies also to electronic systems. Fermi liquids are actually gas-like, whereas strongly correlated electrons are liquid-like. Doped Mott insulators share characteristics with supercooled liquids. Such distinctions have important implications for superconductivity. We discuss the nature of dynamic atomic correlations in liquids and a possible effect of strong electron correlations and Bose–Einstein condensation on the high-temperature superconductivity of the cuprates.