Direct observation of a nodeless superconducting energy gap in the optical conductivity of iron-pnictides

TL;DR

This study directly observes a nodeless superconducting energy gap in Ba(Fe$_{0.9}$Co$_{0.1}$)$_2$As$_2$ thin films through optical conductivity measurements, confirming BCS-like behavior and providing insights into the superconducting state.

Contribution

First direct optical observation of a nodeless superconducting gap in iron-pnictide thin films aligning with BCS theory.

Findings

Superconducting gap of 3.7 meV observed below 20 K

Optical conductivity vanishes in the superconducting state

Spectral weight corresponds to a London penetration depth of 3600 Å

Abstract

The temperature-dependent optical reflectivity and complex transmissivity of an epitaxially grown Ba(Fe$_{0.9}$Co$_{0.1}$)$_2$As$_2$ thin film were measured and the optical conductivity and permittivity evaluated over a wide frequency range. The opening of the superconducting gap $2\Delta_0 = 3.7$ meV below $T_c\approx 20$ K is {\em directly} observed by a completely vanishing optical conductivity. The temperature and frequency dependent electrodynamic properties of Ba(Fe$_{0.9}$Co$_{0.1}$)$_2$As$_2$ in the superconducting state agree well with the BCS predictions with no nodes in the order parameter. The spectral weight of the condensate $1.94\times 10^7 {\rm cm}^{-2}$ corresponds to a London penetration depth $\lambda_L=3600$ \AA.