We express the superconducting gap, $\Delta(T)$, in terms of thermodynamic functions in both $s$- and d-wave symmetries. Applying to Bi$_2$Sr$_2$CaCu$_2$O$_{ 8+\delta}$ and Y$_{ 0.8}$Ca$_{ 0.2}$Ba$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{ 7-\delta}$ we find that for all dopings $\Delta(T)$ persists, as a partial gap, high above $T_c$ due to strong superconducting fluctuations. Therefore in general two gaps are present above $T_c$, the superconducting gap and the pseudogap, effectively reconciling two highly polarized views concerning pseudogap physics.
Categories: cond-mat.supr-con