PHONONS AND SUPERCONDUCTIVITY IN ND2-XCEXCUO4

We investigate superconducting properties of Nd2-xCexCuO4 using conventional strong-coupling theory. The Eliashberg equations were solved based on a realistic model of the phonon density of states. The calculated properties are in good agreement with available experimental data. Specifically, we find the partial isotope exponents to be alpha(Nd)=0.066, alpha(Cu)=0.148, and alpha(O)=0.035. The coupling parameter lambda is found to be 1.135 and 2DELTA0/k(B)T(c)=4.458. Our calculated quasiparticle density of states is also consistent with experiment. This study suggests that phonons in Nd2-xCexCuO4 may have a role similar to that in conventional superconductors in which they mediate electron pairing.