Nonlinear uniaxial pressure dependence of $T_c$ in iron-based superconductors

TL;DR

This study reveals that the superconducting transition temperature in iron-based superconductors depends nonlinearly and anisotropically on in-plane uniaxial pressure, highlighting the coupling between nematic fluctuations and superconductivity.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence of nonlinear, anisotropic pressure effects on $T_c$ and links these effects to nematic order interactions, advancing understanding of superconductivity mechanisms.

Findings

Nonlinear $T_c$ dependence on uniaxial pressure

Pronounced in-plane anisotropy in pressure response

Coupling between nematic fluctuations and superconductivity

Abstract

We have systematically studied the effects of in-plane uniaxial pressure $p$ on the superconducting transition temperature $T_c$ in many iron-based superconductors. The change of $T_c$ with $p$ is composed of linear and nonlinear components. The latter can be described as a quadratic term plus a much smaller fourth-order term. In contrast to the linear component, the nonlinear $p$ dependence of $T_c$ displays a pronounced in-plane anisotropy, which is similar to the anisotropic response of the resistivity to $p$. As a result, it can be attributed to the coupling between the superconducting and nematic orders, in accordance with the expectations of a phenomenological Landau theory. Our results provide direct evidences for the interplay between nematic fluctuations and superconductivity, which may be a common behavior in iron-based superconductors.