arXiv subjects

Chih-Han Wang

Publications and source records attributed to Chih-Han Wang.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

The True Parent Phase of K1.9Fe4.2Se5: A Stripe-type Orthorhombic Phase Requiring a Superconducting Distortion

The origin of the four-fold Tc amplification in A_xFe_{2-y}Se_2 (>30 K) compared to FeSe (8 K) remains a central puzzle, complicated by a debate over the true superconducting (SC) parent phase--the I4/m (245) insulating matrix or a supposed I4/mmm metallic phase. Here, we resolve this ambiguity by identifying a novel "stripe-type orthorhombic phase" as the true parent phase of the high-Tc state, whose diffraction signature is the d2 peaks. Through decisive experiments, we demonstrate that this d2 parent phase is not intrinsically superconducting. Instead, superconductivity emerges only after this stripe phase undergoes a subsequent structural distortion, the definitive signature of which is the asymmetric broadening of the d1 main peaks. Our findings establish that the d2 peaks signal the formation of the parent phase, while the broadening of d1 peaks signals the transition into the superconducting state. This discovery of a two-step transition--formation of a stripe parent phase, followed by a superconducting distortion--provides a new mechanism for Tc amplification via controlled heterogeneity.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2018

Role of the Extra-Fe in K2-xFe4+ySe5 superconductors

The exact superconducting phase of K2-xFe4+ySe5 has yet conclusively decided since its discovery due to its intrinsic multiphase in early material. In an attempt to resolve the mystery, we have carried out systematic structural studies on a set of well controlled samples with exact chemical stoichiometry K2-xFe4+xSe5 (x=0~0.3) that are heat-treated at different temperatures. Our investigations, besides the determination of superconducting transition, focus on the detailed temperature evolution of the crystalline phases using high resolution synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction. Our results show that superconductivity appears only in those samples been treated at high enough temperature and then quenched to room temperature. The volume fraction of superconducting transition strongly depends on the annealing temperature used. The most striking result is the observation of a clear contrast in crystalline phase between the non-superconducting parent compound K2Fe4Se5 and the superconducting K2-xFe4+ySe5 samples. The x-ray diffraction patterned can be well indexed to the phase with I4/m symmetry in all temperature investigated. However, we need two phases with similar I4/m symmetry but different parameters to best fit the data at temperature below the Fe-vacancy order temperature. The results strongly suggest that superconductivity in K2-xFe4+ySe5 critically depends on the occupation of Fe atoms on the originally empty 4d site.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2015

Disordered Fe vacancies and superconductivity in potassium-intercalated iron selenide (K2-xFe4+ySe5)

The parent compound of an unconventional superconductor must contain unusual correlated electronic and magnetic properties of its own. In the high-Tc potassium intercalated FeSe, there has been significant debate regarding what the exact parent compound is. Our studies unambiguously show that the Fe-vacancy ordered K2Fe4Se5 is the magnetic, Mott insulating parent compound of the superconducting state. Non-superconducting K2Fe4Se5 becomes a superconductor after high temperature annealing, and the overall picture indicates that superconductivity in K2-xFe4+ySe5 originates from the Fe-vacancy order to disorder transition. Thus, the long pending question whether magnetic and superconducting state are competing or cooperating for cuprate superconductors may also apply to the Fe-chalcogenide superconductors. It is believed that the iron selenides and related compounds will provide essential information to understand the origin of superconductivity in the iron-based superconductors, and possibly to the superconducting cuprates.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

Fe-vacancy order and superconductivity in PbO-type tetragonal β-Fe1-xSe

Several superconducting transition temperatures in the range of 30-40 K were reported in the recently discovered intercalated FeSe sytem (A1-xFe2-ySe2, A = K, Rb, Cs, Tl). Although the superconducting phases were not yet conclusively decided, more than one magnetic phase with particular orders of iron vacancy and/or potassium vacancy were identified, and some were argued to be the parent phase. Here we show the discovery of the presence and ordering of iron vacancy in nonintercalated FeSe (PbO-type tetragonal β-Fe1-xSe). Three types of iron-vacancy order were found through analytical electron microscopy, and one was identified to be nonsuperconducting and magnetic at low temperature. This discovery suggests that the rich-phases found in A1-xFe2-ySe2 are not exclusive in Fe-Se related superconductors. In addition, the magnetic β-Fe1-xSe phases with particular iron-vacancy orders are more likely to be the parent phase of FeSe superconducting system, instead of the previously assigned β-Fe1+δTe.

cond-mat.supr-con↗