Abstract

We show that the natural variable to follow the crossover from Cooper-pair-based superconductivity to Bose–Einstein condensation within the model of Noziéres and Schmitt-Rink is the product kFξ, where kF is the Fermi wave vector and ξ, is the coherence length for two-electron correlation. In terms of this product, the results of the model do not depend on the detailed form of the (separable) pairing potential, and the crossover turns out to be restricted to the universal region π−1≲kFξ ≲ 2π. Experimental estimates indicate that kFξ ≈10 (> 2π) for high-Tc superconductors.

Evolution from weak to strong coupling superconductivity has been considered by Nozières and Schmitt-Rink [1] (hereafter referred to as NSR) following the pioneering work by Leggett [2]. After the discovery of high- Tc superconductivity, the interest in this problem has grown, and many papers on this subject have appeared [3]. In the present work, we show that working within the simplified treatment by NSR, it is already possible to isolate the essential features of the crossover.

Central to the work of NSR and Leggett is the argument [4] that the BCS wave function has the Bose–Einstein condensation (BEC) built in as a limiting case. (See the review by Randeria in this volume.) NSR study the evolution from BCS to BEC through the increase of the coupling strength associated to an effective fermionic attractive potential, and conclude that the evolution is “smooth”.