Competition between intrinsic and extrinsic effects in the quenching of the superconducting state in FeSeTe thin films

TL;DR

This study experimentally observes the quenching of superconductivity in FeSeTe thin films, revealing a complex interplay of intrinsic electronic and extrinsic thermal effects that influence the stability of the superconducting state.

Contribution

First experimental demonstration of superconducting quenching in FeSeTe thin films, analyzing the coexistence of intrinsic and extrinsic effects based on theoretical models.

Findings

Identification of intrinsic flux-flow electronic instability.

Detection of significant extrinsic thermal effects.

Classification of the instability as intermediate between low- and high-temperature superconductors.

Abstract

We report the first experimental observation of the quenching of the superconducting state in current-voltage characteristics of an iron-based superconductor, namely, in FeSeTe thin films. Based on available theoretical models, our analysis suggests the presence of an intrinsic flux-flow electronic instability along with non-negligible extrinsic thermal effects. The coexistence and competition of these two mechanisms classify the observed instability as halfway between those of low-temperature and of high-temperature superconductors, where thermal effects are respectively largely negligible or predominant.