Evolution from unconventional spin density wave to superconductivity and a novel gap-like phase in NaFe1-xCoxAs

TL;DR

This study uses scanning tunneling microscopy to explore the evolution of electronic phases in NaFe1-xCoxAs, revealing a transition from spin density wave order to superconductivity and identifying a new gap-like phase influenced by local moments and itinerant electrons.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed STM-based investigation of the spin density wave gap and the coexistence of a novel gap-like phase with superconductivity in NaFe1-xCoxAs.

Findings

Observation of the spin density wave gap with asymmetric lineshape.

Identification of a symmetric energy gap at optimal doping.

Discovery of a novel gap-like phase coexisting with superconductivity.

Abstract

Similar to the cuprate high TC superconductors, the iron pnictide superconductors also lie in close proximity to a magnetically ordered phase. A central debate concerning the superconducting mechanism is whether the local magnetic moments play an indispensable role or the itinerant electron description is sufficient. A key step for resolving this issue is to acquire a comprehensive picture regarding the nature of various phases and interactions in the iron compounds. Here we report the doping, temperature, and spatial evolutions of the electronic structure of NaFe1-xCoxAs studied by scanning tunneling microscopy. The spin density wave gap in the parent state is observed for the first time, which shows a strongly asymmetric lineshape that is incompatible with the conventional Fermi surface nesting scenario. The optimally doped sample exhibits a single, symmetric energy gap, but in the overdoped regime another asymmetric gap-like feature emerges near the Fermi level. This novel gap-like phase coexists with superconductivity in the ground state, persists deep into the normal state, and shows strong spatial variations. The characteristics of the three distinct low energy states, in conjunction with the peculiar high energy spectra, suggest that the coupling between the local moments and itinerant electrons is the fundamental driving force for the phases and phase transitions in the iron pnictides.