Raman scattering in \RmYBa$_2$Cu$_4$O$_8$ and PrBa$_2$Cu$_4$O$_8$ : Indications of pseudogap effects in non-superconducting \RmPrBa$_2$Cu$_4$O$_8$

• By analysis of the Raman spectra of superconducting YBa2Cu4O8 (Y-124), we observe a suppression of low-energy electronic density of states that we link to changes in the linewidth of the Ba-phonon mode. These effects occur at a temperature below 150 K, where also anomalies in resistivity and other physical properties take place. We argue that these changes in the Raman spectra of Y-124 are connected to the opening of a pseudogap. Analogous anomalies in resistivity and the Ba-phonon width in the nonsuperconducting homologue PrBa2Cu4O8 (Pr-124) below 150 K suggest that similar pseudogap effects can occur without a following transition to a superconducting state at a lower temperature.

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