Large nematic susceptibility in the double-Q $C_{4}$ magnetic phase of Ba$_{1-x}$Na$_{x}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$

TL;DR

This study measures the nematic susceptibility in Ba$_{1-x}$Na$_{x}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$, revealing unexpectedly large nematic responses within the magnetic $C_{4}$ phase, and explores the interplay between superconductivity and magnetic order.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed measurement of nematic susceptibility across the $C_{4}$ magnetic phase in Na-doped BaFe$_{2}$As$_{2}$, highlighting persistent nematic fluctuations.

Findings

Large nematic susceptibility persists in the $C_{4}$ magnetic phase.

Nematic behavior outside the $C_{4}$ region resembles K-doped BaFe$_{2}$As$_{2}$.

Strong coupling between superconductivity and shear modulus observed.

Abstract

The nematic susceptibility of Ba$_{1-x}$Na$_{x}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ single crystals is studied by measuring the Young's modulus using a three-point-bending setup in a capacitance dilatometer over a wide doping range. Particular emphasis is placed on the behavior within the double-Q antiferromagnetic $C_{4}$ re-entrant phase. Here, we surprisingly still observe a sizable nematic susceptibility in spite of the well-developed magnetic order, consistent with recent theoretical calculations. Outside the $C_{4}$ re-entrant region, the behavior is very similar to that of K-doped BaFe$_{2}$As$_{2}$. A significant coupling of superconductivity to the shear modulus is observed and is discussed in terms of strong competition between the superconducting and magnetic phases.