Suppression of d-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' and t in the form of a checkerboard pattern where t is the hopping within a 2x2 plaquette, and t' 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.