Unconventional Superconductivity with a Sign Reversal in the Order Parameter of LaFeAsO 1-x F x
TL;DR: It is argued that the newly discovered superconductivity in a nearly magnetic, Fe-based layered compound is unconventional and mediated by antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations, though different from the usual superexchange and specific to this compound.
Abstract: We argue that the newly discovered superconductivity in a nearly magnetic, Fe-based layered compound is unconventional and mediated by antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations, though different from the usual superexchange and specific to this compound. This resulting state is an example of extended s-wave pairing with a sign reversal of the order parameter between different Fermi surface sheets. The main role of doping in this scenario is to lower the density of states and suppress the pair-breaking ferromagnetic fluctuations.
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TL;DR: The response of the worldwide scientific community to the discovery in 2008 of superconductivity at T c'='26'K in the Fe-based compound LaFeAsO1−x F x has been very enthusiastic.
Abstract: The response of the worldwide scientific community to the discovery in 2008 of superconductivity at T c = 26 K in the Fe-based compound LaFeAsO1−x F x has been very enthusiastic. In short order, ot...
1,373 citations
TL;DR: A detailed review of the superconductivity of FePnictide and chalcogenide (FePn/Ch) superconductors can be found in this paper.
Abstract: Kamihara and coworkers' report of superconductivity at ${T}_{c}=26\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$ in fluorine-doped LaFeAsO inspired a worldwide effort to understand the nature of the superconductivity in this new class of compounds. These iron pnictide and chalcogenide (FePn/Ch) superconductors have Fe electrons at the Fermi surface, plus an unusual Fermiology that can change rapidly with doping, which lead to normal and superconducting state properties very different from those in standard electron-phonon coupled ``conventional'' superconductors. Clearly, superconductivity and magnetism or magnetic fluctuations are intimately related in the FePn/Ch, and even coexist in some. Open questions, including the superconducting nodal structure in a number of compounds, abound and are often dependent on improved sample quality for their solution. With ${T}_{c}$ values up to 56 K, the six distinct Fe-containing superconducting structures exhibit complex but often comparable behaviors. The search for correlations and explanations in this fascinating field of research would benefit from an organization of the large, seemingly disparate data set. This review provides an overview, using numerous references, with a focus on the materials and their superconductivity.
1,349 citations
TL;DR: The surprising discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in a material containing a strong magnet (iron) has led to thousands of publications as discussed by the authors, and it becomes clear what we know and where we are headed.
Abstract: The surprising discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in a material containing a strong magnet—iron—has led to thousands of publications. By placing all the data in context, it becomes clear what we know and where we are headed.
1,224 citations
TL;DR: This is the first example of superconductivity induced by electron doping in this family of materials, and in contrast with cuprates, the BaFe2As2 system appears to tolerate considerable disorder in the FeAs planes.
Abstract: Here we report bulk superconductivity in ${\mathrm{BaFe}}_{1.8}{\mathrm{Co}}_{0.2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ single crystals below ${T}_{c}=22\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$, as demonstrated by resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and specific heat data. Hall data indicate that the dominant carriers are electrons, as expected from simple chemical reasoning. This is the first example of superconductivity induced by electron doping in this family of materials. In contrast with cuprates, the ${\mathrm{BaFe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ system appears to tolerate considerable disorder in the FeAs planes. First principles calculations for ${\mathrm{BaFe}}_{1.8}{\mathrm{Co}}_{0.2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ indicate the interband scattering due to Co is weak.
855 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a spin fluctuation theory and the sign-changing s-wave symmetry of superconducting gap structures was proposed to account for the nonuniversality of the gap structures of FeNictide and chalcogenide superconductors.
Abstract: 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 families 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. We review theoretical aspects, materials properties and experimental evidence relevant to this suggestion, and discuss which further measurements would be useful to settle these issues.Satisfactoriness has to be measured by a multitude of standards, of which some, for aught we know, may fail in any given case; and what is more satisfactory than any alternative in sight, may to the end be a sum of pluses and minuses, concerning which we can only trust that by ulterior corrections and improvements a maximum of the one and a minimum of the other may some day be approached.??????????????????????William James, Meaning of Truth
840 citations