Spin resonance in the superconducting state of Li$_{1-x}$Fe$_{x}$ODFe$_{1-y}$Se observed by neutron spectroscopy

TL;DR

This study uses neutron spectroscopy to observe a spin resonance in the superconducting state of Li$_{1-x}$Fe$_{x}$ODFe$_{1-y}$Se, revealing insights into its magnetic excitations related to superconductivity.

Contribution

First neutron scattering observation of a spin resonance mode in Li$_{1-x}$Fe$_{x}$ODFe$_{1-y}$Se, linking magnetic excitations to its superconducting properties.

Findings

Enhanced neutron scattering intensity below $T_c$ within specific energy range.

Resonance peaks at wave vectors consistent with Fermi surface nesting.

Resonance behavior similar to other unconventional iron-based superconductors.

Abstract

We have performed inelastic neutron scattering measurements on a powder sample of the superconductor lithium iron selenide hydroxide Li$_{1-x}$Fe$_{x}$ODFe$_{1-y}$Se ($x \simeq 0.16, y \simeq 0.02$, $T_{\rm c} = 41$\,K). The spectrum shows an enhanced intensity below $T_{\rm c}$ over an energy range $0.64\times2\Delta < E < 2\Delta$, where $\Delta$ is the superconducting gap, with maxima at the wave vectors $Q_1 \simeq 1.46$\,\AA$^{-1}$ and $Q_2 \simeq 1.97$\,\AA$^{-1}$. The behavior of this feature is consistent with the spin resonance mode found in other unconventional superconductors, and strongly resembles the spin resonance observed in the spectrum of the molecular-intercalated iron selenide, Li$_{0.6}$(ND$_{2}$)$_{0.2}$(ND$_{3}$)$_{0.8}$Fe$_{2}$Se$_{2}$. The signal can be described with a characteristic two-dimensional wave vector $(\pi, 0.67\pi)$ in the Brillouin zone of the iron square lattice, consistent with the nesting vector between electron Fermi sheets.