Mathematical properties of gap-functions in strongly coupled superconductors

We consider the Dyson equation associated with the BCS superconducting state from a mathematical point of view. The Dyson equation gives rise to a modified gap equation that is similar to the BCS gap equation, but with a different kernel. We first show that for strong coupling (such that the McMillan parameter ||1) both the real and imaginary parts of the solution (E) of the modified gap equation alternate in sign as function of the excitation energyE, the periods being 4₀ for positive and 4₀/3 for negative . (₀ is the frequency of an Einstein spectrum of phonons). A closed, algebraic approximation to (E) is 2||₀logcotan(E/ )]. Finally, the poles of the kernel of the integral equation are located in the complex-E plane. For the new-type, oscillatory solution of the modified gap equation the analogue of the causal (zero-temperature) Green's function is shown to have different analytic properties from those of the smooth Eliashberg solution of BCS theory.