Spectral functions and the pseudogap in the t-J model

We calculate spectral functions within the t-J model as relevant to cuprates in the regime from low to optimum doping. On the basis of equations of motion for projected operators an effective spin-fermion coupling is derived. The self-energy due to short-wavelength transverse spin fluctuations is shown to lead to a modified self-consistent Born approximation, which can explain strong asymmetry between hole and electron quasiparticles. The coupling to long-wavelength longitudinal spin fluctuations governs the low-frequency behavior and results in a pseudogap, which at low doping effectively truncates the Fermi surface, in particular near the (π,0) point in the Brillouin zone.