Gap symmetry and structure of Fe-based superconductors

The recently discovered Fe pnictide and chalcogenide superconductors display low temperature properties suggesting superconducting gap structures which appear to vary substantially from family to family, and even within family as a function of doping or pressure. We propose that this apparent nonuniversality can actually be understood by considering the predictions of spin fluctuation theory and accounting for the peculiar electronic structure of these systems, coupled with the likely “sign-changing s-wave” (s±) symmetry. Here, we review theoretical aspects, materials properties, and experimental evidence relevant to this suggestion, and discuss which further measurements would be useful to settle these…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: DMR-1005625, 1005625
• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy

  Awards: FG02-05ER46236, DE-FG02-, DE-FG02-05ER46236, DE-FG02
• RF
  Russian Foundation for Basic Research
• DO
  Division of Materials Research

  Award: 1005625