Theory of terahertz conductivity in the pseudogap phase of the cuprates: A preformed pair perspective

Abstract

In this paper we deduce transport properties in the presence of a pseudogap associated with precursor superconductivity. Our theoretical analysis is based on the widely adopted self-energy expression reflecting this normal state gap, which has appeared in interpretations of photoemission and in other experiments. Thus, it should be generally applicable. Here we address THz conductivity $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})={\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{1}(\ensuremath{\omega})+i{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{2}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ measurements in the underdoped high-temperature superconductors and arrive at reasonable agreement between theory and recent experiment for both ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{1}$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{2}$ above and below ${T}_{c}$.