Evidence for saddle point-driven charge density wave on the surface of heavily hole-doped iron arsenide superconductors
2025

Charge Density Wave in Iron Arsenide Superconductors

Sample size: 14 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Hu Quanxin, Zheng Yu, Xu Hanxiang, Deng Junze, Liang Chenhao, Yang Fazhi, Wang Zhijun, Grinenko Vadim

Primary Institution: Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Hypothesis

Can charge density wave (CDW) order emerge in heavily hole-doped iron arsenide superconductors?

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that a charge density wave emerges on the surface of heavily hole-doped Ba1−xKxFe2As2, completely suppressing superconductivity.

Supporting Evidence

  • The charge density wave order was confirmed through scanning tunneling microscopy.
  • The emergence of the charge density wave was linked to saddle-point nesting near the Fermi level.
  • The study expands the phase diagram of iron-based superconductors.
  • The charge density wave completely suppresses superconductivity in the heavily hole-doped regime.

Takeaway

The researchers found that when they added holes to a special type of iron superconductor, it created a pattern that stopped it from being a superconductor.

Methodology

The study used scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory to investigate the charge density wave on the surface of Ba1−xKxFe2As2.

Limitations

The observed charge density wave appears to be exclusive to the surface and may not represent the bulk properties.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/s41467-024-55368-7

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