Time-reversal symmetry breaking by a $(d+id)$ density-wave state in underdoped cuprate superconductors

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It was proposed that the $id_{x^2-y^2}$ density-wave state (DDW) may be responsible for the pseudogap behavior in the underdoped cuprates. Here we show that the admixture of a small $d_{xy}$ component to the DDW state breaks the symmetry between the counter-propagating orbital currents of the DDW state and, thus, violates the macroscopic time-reversal symmetry. This symmetry breaking results in a non-zero polar Kerr effect, which has recently been observed in the pseudogap phase.
4 pages, 3 eps figures; minor typos corrected, references updated, new title as suggested by the PRL editor; references updated, final version as published in PRL

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