Spin-ordering quantum transitions of superconductors in a magnetic field

Phys Rev Lett. 2001 Aug 6;87(6):067202. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.87.067202. Epub 2001 Jul 19.

Abstract

We argue that recent neutron scattering measurements by Lake et al. [Science 291, 1759 (2001)] of the spin excitation spectrum of La(2-delta)Sr(delta)CuO4 in a magnetic field can be understood in terms of proximity to a phase with co-existing superconductivity and spin density wave order. We present a general theory for such quantum transitions, and argue that their low energy spin fluctuations are controlled by a singular correction from the superflow kinetic energy, acting in the region outside the vortex cores. We propose numerous experimental tests of our theory.