Spin-Orbit Ordering, Momentum Space Coexistence, and Cuprate Superconductivity

Motivated by the energetic advantage of achieving coherent enhancement of effective spin-dependent interactions through approximate nesting, we propose specific forms of spin ordering, whose form varies over the Fermi surface, for the cuprate superconductors. Competing “spin-orbit” orderings involving order parameters in spatial $d_{x^2-y^2}$ and $d_{xy}$ waves at commensurate and incommensurate wavevectors, phase separated in momentum space, support behavior suggestive of observed phenomena. The $d_{xy}$ spin-orbit fluctuation induces an effective interaction that favors $d_{x^2-y^2}$-wave pairing, as required for the observed superconductivity. Anisotropic spin susceptibility is a crucial prediction of our mechanism.