Theory of Normal State Pseudogap Behavior in FeSe(1-x)$Te(x)

TL;DR

This paper explains the pseudogap behavior in FeSe(1-x)Te(x) superconductors as a result of multi-orbital correlations causing orbital-selective Mott physics, supported by first-principles calculations and experimental data.

Contribution

It introduces a microscopic theory linking strong correlations to pseudogap phenomena in FeSe-based superconductors, using LDA+DMFT calculations.

Findings

Strong multi-orbital correlations induce orbital-selective Mott physics.

The theory agrees well with resistivity and Seebeck measurements.

Implications for thermoelectric applications are discussed.

Abstract

The normal state of the recently discovered Iron Selenide (FeSe)-based superconductors shows a range of inexplicable features. Along with bad-metallic resistivity, characteristic pseudogap features and proximity to insulating states, reminiscent of the underdoped high-Tc cuprates, mark these systems as strongly correlated non-Fermi Liquid metals. Here, using the first-principles LDA+DMFT method, we show how strong multi-orbital correlation-induced orbital-selective Mott-like physics leads to an orthogonality catastrophe underpinning these inexplicable incoherent features. Excellent agreement with a range of resistivity and Seebeck data strongly support our proposal. We discuss pseudogap regime microscopically, along with implications for the nature of the instability at lower T, and propose that related systems could be of use in thermoelectric devices.