Electronic Raman scattering of superconducting YBa2Cu3Oy single crystals

TheA _1g andB _1g low-energy Raman continua of YBa₂Cu₃O _y (Y123) single crystals, withy=7.0, 6.99, and 6.93, have been investigated. It is found that the peak frequency of theA _1g continuum is equal to 310±10 cm^–1 and independent of oxygen concentration fory in the above range. The central frequency of the broad peak in theB _1g continuum, however, shifts from about 470 cm^–1 fory7.0 to 550 cm^–1 fory6.93. Thus, a relatively small change in oxygen concentration results in a significant redistribution of the states contributing to theB _1g continuum. Assuming the low-energy portions of the continua are electronic in origin, the Raman spectra have been calculated and the results compared to the experimental spectra. It is suggested that the Raman continua arise, at least in part, from scattering across a spin fluctuation-induced pseudogap.