Suppression ofd-wave superconductivity in the checkerboard Hubbard model

Abstract

Using a dynamical cluster quantum Monte Carlo approximation, we investigate the $d$-wave superconducting transition temperature ${T}_{c}$ in the doped two-dimensional repulsive Hubbard model with a weak inhomogeneity. The inhomogeneity is introduced in the hoppings ${t}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and $t$ in the form of a checkerboard pattern where $t$ is the hopping within a $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2$ plaquette, and ${t}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ is the hopping between the plaquettes. We find inhomogeneity suppresses ${T}_{c}$. The characteristic spin excitation energy and the strength of $d$-wave pairing interaction decrease with decreasing ${T}_{c}$, suggesting a strong correlation between these quantities.