Distinguishing between spin-fluctuation and phonon-mediated $d$-wave superconductivity in cuprates by high-pressure Raman scattering

Determining the nature of interaction responsible for the Cooper-pair formation in high-$T_{c}$ cuprates remains one of the grand challenges in modern condensed matter physics. The most probable candidates are lattice vibrations (phonons) and spin fluctuation modes. Recently, it has been argued that Raman scattering in $B_{1g}$ symmetry may serve as a probe to distinguish between phonon-mediated and magnetically mediated d-wave superconductivity. Here we report the results of electronic Raman scattering measurements in Bi-based bilayer and trilayer superconductors at high pressures and at temperatures around 12 K. As a clean and effective tool, pressure enhances $T_{c}$ and thus increases the pairing interaction in these materials. Meanwhile, we find that pressure also brings about the change of the $B_{1g}$ mode. The observed evolution of $B_{1g}$ modes with pressure sheds important insight on the pairing mechanism of high-$T_{c}$ superconductivity.