Localized High Frequency Electrodynamic Behavior of Optimally-doped Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Co$_x$)$_2$As$_2$ Single Crystal films

TL;DR

This study investigates the high-frequency electrodynamic properties of optimally doped Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Co$_x$)$_2$As$_2$ single-crystal films using localized RF magnetic fields, revealing potential multi-gap and nodal superconducting features.

Contribution

First measurement of localized high-frequency electrodynamics in Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Co$_x$)$_2$As$_2$ thin films under strong RF fields, indicating complex superconducting behavior.

Findings

Wide superconducting transition width observed.

Evidence suggests multi-gap superconductivity.

Possible nodal behavior indicated by third harmonic response.

Abstract

Localized high frequency (several GHz) electrodynamic properties of a high quality epitaxial, single-crystal Iron-Pnicitde Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Co$_x$)$_2$As$_2$ thin film near optimal doping (x=0.08) are measured under a localized and strong RF magnetic field, created by a near-field microwave microscope. Two reflection electrodynamic measurements, including linear and the third harmonic responses, are performed to understand the electromagnetic properties of Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Co$_x$)$_2$As$_2$. Our measurement results show that Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Co$_x$)$_2$As$_2$ has have a wide superconducting transition width and may have a multi-gap nature. In addition, based on the $1/T^2$ dependence of the third harmonics signal at lower temperature, Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Co$_x$)$_2$As$_2$ shows the possibility of nodal behavior.