Anisotropic electron coupling as a phenomenological model for high-Tc superconductors

A three-dimensional weak coupling BCS model with an anisotropic pairing interaction m momentum space is reported. It exhibits an anisotropic gap in accord with recent experimental observations for high-T(c) oxides. The gap ratio 2DELTA/k(B)T(c) is calculated as a function of the anisotropy ratio of the electron pairing. It is found that the mean gap ratio decreases with increasing anisotropy of the electron pairing, whereas the maximum gap ratio increases. Assuming a unique strength of the effective electron interaction the transition temperature turns out to be always larger than in the isotropic case. The temperature dependence of the gap in the Cu-O plane and along the c axis of Y-Ba-Cu-O is presented.