# Local orthorhombicity in the magnetic $C_4$ phase of the hole-doped iron-arsenide superconductor Sr$_{1-x}$Na$_{x}$Fe$_2$As$_2$

## TL;DR

This study reveals that local orthorhombic distortions exist within the magnetic $C_4$ phase of Sr$_{1-x}$Na$_{x}$Fe$_2$As$_2$, indicating strong nematic fluctuations that persist across different phases of this iron-based superconductor.

## Contribution

It provides the first direct evidence of local orthorhombic regions within the magnetic $C_4$ phase, highlighting the role of nematic fluctuations in iron-based superconductors.

## Key findings

- Local orthorhombic regions are about 2 nm in size.
- Orthorhombic fluctuations are present even in the tetragonal phase.
- The results suggest a large nematic susceptibility in the material.

## Abstract

We report temperature-dependent pair distribution function measurements of Sr$_{1-x}$Na$_{x}$Fe$_2$As$_2$, an iron-based superconductor system that contains a magnetic phase with reentrant tetragonal symmetry, known as the magnetic $C_4$ phase. Quantitative refinements indicate that the instantaneous local structure in the $C_4$ phase is comprised of fluctuating orthorhombic regions with a length scale of $\sim$2 nm, despite the tetragonal symmetry of the average static structure. Additionally, local orthorhombic fluctuations exist on a similar length scale at temperatures well into the paramagnetic tetragonal phase. These results highlight the exceptionally large nematic susceptibility of iron-based superconductors and have significant implications for the magnetic $C_4$ phase and the neighboring $C_2$ and superconducting phases.