Raman electronic continuum in a d(x(2)-y(2)) superconductor: Inelastic scattering

The redistribution of spectral weight, which is observed in the low-frequency region of the Raman electronic continuum on entering the superconducting States, depends on the Raman mode studied. Some of the data can be understood qualitatively in terms of the opening up of a BCS superconducting gap which has d(x2-y2) symmetry in the CuO2 planes of the high-T-c copper oxides. It is well known, however, that there is a large amount of inelastic scattering in these materials at T-c This effect is not included in BCS theories which neglect all scattering in the normal state. Here we include the inelastic scattering on the electronic self-energy and on the Raman cross section in the normal as well as superconducting state.