Filamentary superconductivity across the phase diagram of Ba(Fe,Co)$_2$As$_2$

TL;DR

This study investigates filamentary superconductivity in Ba(Fe,Co)$_2$As$_2$ across its phase diagram, revealing its persistence until antiferromagnetic order is suppressed and suggesting a role for orbital fluctuations in superconductivity.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed magnetotransport analysis linking filamentary and bulk superconductivity across the phase diagram of Ba(Fe,Co)$_2$As$_2$, highlighting the potential influence of orbital fluctuations.

Findings

Filamentary superconductivity persists until antiferromagnetic order is suppressed.

FLSC is suppressed in the doping range where bulk SC appears.

Electronic anisotropy peaks near the onset of bulk superconductivity.

Abstract

We show magnetotransport results on Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Co$_x$)$_2$As$_2$ ($0.0 \leq x \leq 0.13$) single crystals. We identify the low temperature resistance step at 23 K in the parent compound with the onset of filamentary superconductivity (FLSC), which is suppressed by an applied magnetic field in a similar manner to the suppression of bulk superconductivity (SC) in doped samples. FLSC is found to persist across the phase diagram until the long range antiferromagnetic order is completely suppressed. A significant suppression of FLSC occurs for $0.02<x<0.04$, the doping concentration where bulk SC emerges. Based on these results and the recent report of an electronic anisotropy maximum for 0.02 $\leq x \leq$ 0.04 [Science 329, 824 (2010)], we speculate that, besides spin fluctuations, orbital fluctuations may also play an important role in the emergence of SC in iron-based superconductors.