Comparison of s- and d-wave gap symmetry in nonequilibrium superconductivity -: art. no. 214506

Recent application of ultrafast pump/probe optical techniques to superconductors has renewed interest in nonequilibrium superconductivity and the predictions that would be available for novel superconductors, such as the high-T-c cuprates. We have reexamined two of the classical models which have been used in the past to interpret nonequilibrium experiments with some success: the mu* model of Owen and Scalapino and the T-* model of Parker. Predictions depend on pairing symmetry. For instance, the gap suppression due to the excess quasiparticle density n in the mu* model, varies as n(3/2) in d wave as opposed to n for s wave. Finally, we consider these models in the context of S-I-N tunneling and optical excitation experiments. While we confirm that recent pump/probe experiments in YBCO, as presently interpreted, are in conflict with d-wave pairing, we refute the further claim that they agree with s wave.