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Abstract:
We propose an effective model for the superconducting transition in the
high-T-c cuprates motivated by the SU(2) gauge theory approach. In
addition to variations of the superconducting phase we allow for local
admixture of staggered flux order. This leads to an unbinding
transition of vortices with a staggered flux core that are
energetically preferable to conventional vortices. Based on parameter
estimates for the two-dimensional t-J model we argue that the staggered
flux vortices provide a way to understand a phase with a moderate
density of mobile vortices over a large temperature range above T-c
that yet exhibits otherwise normal transport properties. This picture
is consistent with the large Nernst signal observed in this region.
