On the theory of layered high-temperature superconductors: Finite temperature properties

Abstract

We extend the study of a model for layered high-temperature superconductors to finite temperatures. The model assumes Fermi liquid properties for the carriers, which form a narrow tight-binding band. The carriers are subject to on-site intralayer and nearest neighbor interlayer interactions. The previous studies of the zero temperature properties, revealing remarkable agreement with experimental data, are extended to finite temperatures. These properties include the tunneling conductance for diffuse and specular transmission in a normal isolator superconductor junction, specific heat, nuclear spin relaxation time and the London penetration depth. Our results are compared with experimental findings.