In-plane polarization dependence of (Bi,Pb)2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ single crystals studied by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

The effects of in-plane polarization change on the determination of the hole density of weakly under-doped (Bi, Pb)-2212 single crystals has been studied by x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The XAS signal at the CuL3 edge (925-940 eV) and O K edge (525 eV to 539 eV) were recorded under continuous rotation of the CuO2 plane from 0° to 180° with a minimum increment of 1.8°, yielding experimentally an in-plane polarization dependence for the absorption signals at the respective threshold. From that the in-plane angular dependence of the hole density (nH(φ)) could be determined. Fermi׳s golden rule was then used for the evaluation of the in-plane polarization dependence showing the expected polarization independence in disaccord to the experimental observations. Possible scenarios to solve this issue are discussed. Our results propose that polarization dependence could be due to inhomogeneous distribution of holes in the CuO2 planes which is also supported by models. Second, the role of out of plane orbitals has to be taken into account for interpretation.