Observation of a Hidden Hole-Like Band Approaching the Fermi Level in K-Doped Iron Selenide Superconductor

TL;DR

This study reveals a hidden hole-like band in K-doped iron selenide superconductor, challenging previous theories and suggesting a unified understanding of iron-based superconductors with both hole and electron Fermi surfaces.

Contribution

It experimentally demonstrates the existence of a hole-like band in KxFe2-ySe2, linking it to iron arsenides and advancing the understanding of superconductivity mechanisms.

Findings

Detection of a hole-like band in KxFe2-ySe2

Implication that AFS shares features with iron arsenides

Supports unified theory of iron-based superconductor superconductivity

Abstract

One of the ultimate goals of the study of iron-based superconductors is to identify the common feature that produces the high critical temperature (Tc). In the early days, based on a weak-coupling viewpoint, the nesting between hole- and electron-like Fermi surfaces (FSs) leading to the so-called $s\pm$ state was considered to be one such key feature. However, this theory has faced a serious challenge ever since the discovery of alkali-metal-doped FeSe (AFS) superconductors, in which only electron-like FSs with a nodeless superconducting gap are observed. Several theories have been proposed, but a consistent understanding is yet to be achieved. Here we show experimentally that a hole-like band exists in KxFe2-ySe2, which presumably forms a hole-like Fermi surface. The present study suggests that AFS can be categorized in the same group as iron arsenides with both hole- and electron-like FSs present. This result provides a foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the superconductivity in iron-based superconductors.