Origin of Pressure-induced Superconducting Phase in K$_{x}$Fe$_{2-y}$Se$_{2}$ studied by Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction and Spectroscopy

TL;DR

This study investigates the pressure-induced superconducting phases in K$_{x}$Fe$_{2-y}$Se$_{2}$ using synchrotron X-ray techniques, revealing structural and electronic changes around 12 GPa that are linked to Fermi surface topology modifications.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the structural and electronic transitions associated with the emergence of a second superconducting dome under pressure.

Findings

Change in c-axis compressibility around 12 GPa.

Appearance of a new superconducting phase SC II.

Alteration in electronic structure linked to Fermi surface topology.

Abstract

Pressure dependence of the electronic and crystal structures of K$_{x}$Fe$_{2-y}$Se$_{2}$, which has pressure-induced two superconducting domes of SC I and SC II, was investigated by x-ray emission spectroscopy and diffraction. X-ray diffraction data show that compressibility along the c-axis changes around 12 GPa, where a new superconducting phase of SC II appears. This suggests a possible tetragonal to collapsed tetragonal phase transition. X-ray emission spectroscopy data also shows the change in the electronic structure around 12 GPa. These results can be explained by the scenario that the two SC domes under pressure originate from the change of Fermi surface topology. Present results here show that the nesting condition plays a key role in stabilizing the superconducting state helping to address outstanding fundamental question as to why the SC II appears under pressure.