Superconducting gap structure of FeSe

TL;DR

This study investigates the superconducting gap structure of FeSe using specific heat and tunneling microscopy, revealing at least two anisotropic, nodeless gaps with deep minima, advancing understanding of its superconducting mechanism.

Contribution

It provides the first combined analysis of specific heat and STM measurements showing multiple anisotropic gaps in FeSe.

Findings

At least two superconducting gaps identified

Gaps exhibit significant anisotropy with deep minima

Results support anisotropic nodeless superconductivity models

Abstract

The microscopic mechanism governing the zero-resistance flow of current in some iron-based, high-temperature superconducting materials is not well understood up to now. A central issue concerning the investigation of these materials is their superconducting gap symmetry and structure. Here we present a combined study of low-temperature specific heat and scanning tunnelling microscopy measurements on single crystalline FeSe. The results reveal the existence of at least two superconducting gaps which can be represented by a phenomenological two-band model. The analysis of the specific heat suggests significant anisotropy in the gap magnitude with deep gap minima. The tunneling spectra display an overall "U"-shaped gap close to the Fermi level away as well as on top of twin boundaries. These results are compatible with the anisotropic nodeless models describing superconductivity in FeSe.