LiFeAs: An Intrinsic FeAs-based Superconductor with Tc = 18K

TL;DR

LiFeAs is a newly synthesized, stoichiometric FeAs-based superconductor with a transition temperature of 18K, notable for its intrinsic superconductivity without doping and high critical magnetic field.

Contribution

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of LiFeAs as an intrinsic, undoped Fe-based superconductor with a high critical field and no spin-density wave behavior, distinct from similar compounds.

Findings

Superconducts at 18K without doping

High critical field Hc2(0)>80 T

No spin-density wave behavior

Abstract

The synthesis and properties of LiFeAs, a high-Tc Fe-based superconducting stoichiometric compound, are reported. Single crystal x-ray studies reveal that it crystallizes in the tetragonal PbFCl type (P4/nmm) with a=3.7914(7) A and c=6.364(2) A. Unlike the known isoelectronic undoped intrinsic FeAs compounds, LiFeAs does not show any spin-density wave behavior but exhibits superconductivity at ambient pressures without chemical doping. It exhibits a respectable transition temperature of Tc=18 K with electronlike carriers and a very high critical field, Hc2(0)>80 T. LiFeAs appears to be the chemical equivalent of the infinite layered compound of the high-Tc cuprates.