arXiv subjects

Y. -M. Xu

Publications and source records attributed to Y. -M. Xu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2014

Observation of an electron band above the Fermi level in FeTe$_{0.55}$Se$_{0.45}$ from \emph{in-situ} surface doping

We used \emph{in-situ} potassium (K) evaporation to dope the surface of the iron-based superconductor FeTe$_{0.55}$Se$_{0.45}$. The systematic study of the bands near the Fermi level confirms that electrons are doped into the system, allowing us to tune the Fermi level of this material and to access otherwise unoccupied electronic states. In particular, we observe an electron band located above the Fermi level before doping that shares similarities with a small three-dimensional pocket observed in the cousin, heavily-electron-doped KFe$_{2-x}$Se$_2$ compound.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2012

Orbital Characters Determined from Fermi Surface Intensity Patterns using Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy

In order to determine the orbital characters on the various Fermi surface pockets of the Fe-based superconductors Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ and FeSe$_{0.45}$Te$_{0.55}$, we introduce a method to calculate photoemission matrix elements. We compare our simulations to experimental data obtained with various experimental configurations of beam orientation and light polarization. We show that the photoemission intensity patterns revealed from angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements of Fermi surface mappings and energy-momentum plots along high-symmetry lines exhibit asymmetries carrying precious information on the nature of the states probed, information that is destroyed after the data symmetrization process often performed in the analysis of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy data. Our simulations are consistent with Fermi surfaces originating mainly from the $d_{xy}$, $d_{xz}$ and $d_{yz}$ orbitals in these materials.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2012

Effects of Ru Substitution on Dimensionality and Electron Correlations in Ba(Fe_{1-x}Ru_x)_2As_2

We report a systematic angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study on Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Ru$_x$)$_2$As$_2$ for a wide range of Ru concentrations (0.15 $\leq$ \emph{x} $\leq$ 0.74). We observed a crossover from two-dimension to three-dimension for some of the hole-like Fermi surfaces with Ru substitution and a large reduction in the mass renormalization close to optimal doping. These results suggest that isovalent Ru substitution has remarkable effects on the low-energy electron excitations, which are important for the evolution of superconductivity and antiferromagnetism in this system.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2011

Fermi surface dichotomy of the superconducting gap and pseudogap in underdoped pnictides

High-temperature superconductivity in iron-arsenic materials (pnictides) near an antiferromagnetic phase raises the possibility of spin-fluctuation-mediated pairing. However, the interplay between antiferromagnetic fluctuations and superconductivity remains unclear in the underdoped regime, which is closer to the antiferromagnetic phase. Here we report that the superconducting gap of the underdoped pnictides scales linearly with the transition temperature, and that a distinct pseudogap coexisting with the SC gap develops on underdoping. This pseudogap occurs on Fermi surface sheets connected by the antiferromagnetic wavevector, where the superconducting pairing is stronger as well, suggesting that antiferromagnetic fluctuations drive both the pseudogap and superconductivity. Interestingly, we found that the pseudogap and the spectral lineshape vary with the Fermi surface quasi-nesting conditions in a fashion that shares similarities with the nodal-antinodal dichotomous behaviour observed in underdoped copper oxide superconductors.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2011

Isotropic superconducting gaps with enhanced pairing on electron Fermi surfaces in FeTe0.55Se0.45

The momentum distribution of the energy gap opening at the Fermi level of superconductors is a direct fingerprint of the pairing mechanism. While the phase diagram of the iron-based superconductors promotes antiferromagnetic fluctuations as a natural candidate for electron pairing, the precise origin of the interaction is highly debated. We used angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to reveal directly the momentum distribution of the superconducting gap in FeTe1-xSex, which has the simplest structure of all iron-based superconductors. We found isotropic superconducting gaps on all Fermi surfaces whose sizes can be fitted by a single gap function derived from a strong coupling approach, strongly suggesting local antiferromagnetic exchange interactions as the pairing origin.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2011

Two pseudogaps with different energy scales at the antinode of the high-temperature Bi$_2$Sr$_2$CuO$_6$ superconductor using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

We have performed high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy on single-layered cuprate Bi$_2$Sr$_2$CuO$_6$ to clarify the origin of the pseudogap. By using various photon energies, we have succeeded in directly observing two different pseudogaps with two different energy scales which coexist in the antinodal region: one reflects the $d_{x^2-y^2}$-wave pairing strength while the other has a larger energy scale suggesting an origin distinct from superconductivity. The observed two-pseudogap behavior provides a key to fully understand the pseudogap phenomena in cuprates.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2011

A precise method for visualizing dispersive features in image plots

In order to improve the advantages and the reliability of the second derivative method in tracking the position of extrema from experimental curves, we develop a novel analysis method based on the mathematical concept of curvature. We derive the formulas for the curvature in one and two dimensions and demonstrate their applicability to simulated and experimental angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy data. As compared to the second derivative, our new method improves the localization of the extrema and reduces the peak broadness for a better visualization on intensity image plots.

physics.data-an↗

arXiv2011

Observation of a ubiquitous three-dimensional superconducting gap function in optimally-doped Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_2$As$_2$

The iron-pnictide superconductors have a layered structureformed by stacks of FeAs planes from which the superconductivity originates. Given the multiband and quasi three-dimensional \cite{3D_SC} (3D) electronic structure of these high-temperature superconductors, knowledge of the quasi-3D superconducting (SC) gap is essential for understanding the superconducting mechanism. By using the \KZ-capability of angle-resolved photoemission, we completely determined the SC gap on all five Fermi surfaces (FSs) in three dimensions on \BKFAOP samples. We found a marked \KZ dispersion of the SC gap, which can derive only from interlayer pairing. Remarkably, the SC energy gaps can be described by a single 3D gap function with two energy scales characterizing the strengths of intralayer $Δ_1$ and interlayer $Δ_2$ pairing. The anisotropy ratio $Δ_2/Δ_1$, determined from the gap function, is close to the c-axis anisotropy ratio of the magnetic exchange coupling $J_c/J_{ab}$ in the parent compound \cite{NeutronParent}. The ubiquitous gap function for all the 3D FSs reveals that pairing is short-ranged and strongly constrain the possible pairing force in the pnictides. A suitable candidate could arise from short-range antiferromagnetic fluctuations.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2011

Universality of superconducting gaps in overdoped Ba0.3K0.7Fe2As2 observed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

We have performed angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy on the overdoped Ba$_{0.3}$K$_{0.7}$Fe$_2$As$_2$ superconductor ($T_c$ = 22 K). We demonstrate that the superconducting (SC) gap on each Fermi surface (FS) is nearly isotropic whereas the gap value varies from 4.4 to 7.9 meV on different FSs. By comparing with under- and optimally-doped Ba$_{1-x}$K$_x$Fe$_2$As$_2$, we find that the gap value on each FS nearly scales with $T_c$ over a wide doping range (0.25 $\textyen leq$ $x$ $\textyen leq$ 0.7). Although the FS volume and the SC gap magnitude are strongly doping dependent, the multiple nodeless gaps can be commonly fitted by a single gap function assuming pairing up to the second-nearest-neighbor, suggesting the universality of the short-range pairing states with the $s_{\yenpm}$-wave symmetry.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2010

Fermiology of Sr4V2O6Fe2As2: Quasi-Nested Fe vs Mott-Insulating V Orbitals

We have performed an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study of a new iron-based superconductor Sr4V2O6Fe2As2. While V 3d orbitals are found to be in a Mott insulator state and show an incoherent peak at ~ 1 eV below the Fermi level, the dispersive Fe 3d bands form several hole- and electron-like Fermi surfaces (FSs), some of which are quasi-nested by the (pi, 0) wave vector. This differs from the local density approximation (LDA) calculations, which predict non-nested FSs for this material. However, LDA+U with a large effective Hubbard energy U on V 3d electrons can reproduce the experimental observation reasonably well. The observed fermiology in superconducting Sr4V2O6Fe2As2 strongly supports that (pi, 0) interband scattering between quasi-nested FSs is indispensable to superconductivity in pnictides.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2010

Electron-Hole Asymmetry in Superconductivity of Pnictides Originated from the Observed Rigid Chemical Potential Shift

We have performed a systematic photoemission study of the chemical potential shift as a function of carrier doping in a pnictide system based on BaFe$_2$As$_2$. The experimentally determined chemical potential shift is consistent with the prediction of a rigid band shift picture by the renormalized first-principle band calculations. This leads to an electron-hole asymmetry (EHA) in the Fermi surface (FS) nesting condition due to different effective masses for different FS sheets, which can be calculated from the Lindhard function of susceptibility. This built-in EHA from the band structure, which matches well with observed asymmetric superconducting domes in the phase diagram, strongly supports FS near-nesting driven superconductivity in the iron pnictides.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2009

Observation of Dirac Cone Electronic Dispersion in BaFe2As2

We performed an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study of BaFe2As2, which is the parent compound of the so-called 122 phase of the iron-pnictide high-temperature superconductors. We reveal the existence of a Dirac cone in the electronic structure of this material below the spin-density-wave temperature, which is responsible for small spots of high photoemission intensity at the Fermi level. Our analysis suggests that the cone is slightly anisotropic and its apex is located very near the Fermi level, leading to tiny Fermi surface pockets. Moreover, the bands forming the cone show an anisotropic leading edge gap away from the cone that suggests a nodal spin-density-wave description.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2009

Fermi surface nesting induced strong pairing in iron-based superconductors

The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in iron pnictides raised the possibility of an unconventional superconducting mechanism in multiband materials. The observation of Fermi-surface(FS)-dependent nodeless superconducting gaps suggested that inter-FS interactions may play a crucial role in superconducting pairing. In the optimally hole-doped Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_2$As$_2$, the pairing strength is enhanced simultaneously (2$Δ$/Tc$\sim$7) on the nearly nested FS pockets, i.e. the inner holelike ($α$) FS and the two hybridized electronlike FSs, while the pairing remains weak (2$Δ$/Tc$\sim$3.6) in the poorly-nested outer hole-like ($β$) FS. Here we report that in the electron-doped BaFe$_{1.85}$Co$_{0.15}$As$_2$ the FS nesting condition switches from the $α$ to the $β$ FS due to the opposite size changes for hole- and electron-like FSs upon electron doping. The strong pairing strength (2$Δ$/Tc$\sim$6) is also found to switch to the nested $β$ FS, indicating an intimate connection between FS nesting and superconducting pairing, and strongly supporting the inter-FS pairing mechanism in the iron-based superconductors.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2009

Superconducting gap symmetry of Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 studied by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

We have performed high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy on the optimally-doped Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_2$As$_2$ compound and determined the accurate momentum dependence of the superconducting (SC) gap in four Fermi-surface sheets including a newly discovered outer electron pocket at the M point. The SC gap on this pocket is nearly isotropic and its magnitude is comparable ($Δ$ $\sim$ 11 meV) to that of the inner electron and hole pockets ($\sim$12 meV), although it is substantially larger than that of the outer hole pocket ($\sim$6 meV). The Fermi-surface dependence of the SC gap value is basically consistent with $Δ$($k$) = $Δ$$_0$cos$k_x$cos$k_y$ formula expected for the extended s-wave symmetry. The observed finite deviation from the simple formula suggests the importance of multi-orbital effects.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2009

Electronic structure of heavily electron-doped BaFe$_{1.7}$Co$_{0.3}$As$_2$ studied by angle-resolved photoemission

We have performed high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy on heavily electron-doped non-superconducting (SC) BaFe$_{1.7}$Co$_{0.3}$As$_2$. We find that the two hole Fermi surface pockets at the zone center observed in the hole-doped superconducting Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_2$As$_2$ are absent or very small in this compound, while the two electron pockets at the M point significantly expand due to electron doping by the Co substitution. Comparison of the Fermi surface between non-SC and SC samples indicates that the coexistence of hole and electron pockets connected via the antiferromagnetic wave vector is essential in realizing the mechanism of superconductivity in the iron-based superconductors.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2008

Electronic structure of optimally doped pnictide Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_2$As$_2$: a comprehensive ARPES investigation

We have conducted a comprehensive angle-resolved photoemission study on the normal state electronic structure of the Fe-based superconductor Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_2$As$_2$. We have identified four dispersive bands which cross the Fermi level and form two hole-like Fermi surfaces around $Γ$ and two electron-like Fermi surfaces around M. There are two nearly nested Fermi surface pockets connected by an antiferromagnetic ($π$, $π$) wavevector. The observed Fermi surfaces show small $k_z$ dispersion and a total volume consistent with Luttinger theorem. Compared to band structure calculations, the overall bandwidth is reduced by a factor of 2. However, many low energy dispersions display stronger mass renormalization by a factor of $\sim$ 4, indicating possible orbital (energy) dependent correlation effects. Using an effective tight banding model, we fitted the band structure and the Fermi surfaces to obtain band parameters reliable for theoretical modeling and calculations of the important physical quantities, such as the specific heat coefficient.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2008

Band Structure and Fermi Surface of an Extremely Overdoped Iron-Based Superconductor KFe2As2

We have performed high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy on heavily overdoped KFe_2As_2 (transition temperature (Tc = 3 K). We observed several renormalized bands near the Fermi level with a renormalization factor of 2-4. While the Fermi surface (FS) around the Brillouin-zone center is qualitatively similar to that of optimally-doped Ba_{1-x}K_xFe_2As_2 (x = 0.4; Tc = 37 K), the FS topology around the zone corner (M point) is markedly different: the two electron FS pockets are completely absent due to excess of hole doping. This result indicates that the electronic states around the M point play an important role in the high-Tc superconductivity of Ba$_{1-x}$K$_x$Fe$_2$As$_2$ and suggests that the interband scattering via the antiferromagnetic wave vector essentially controls the Tc value in the overdoped region.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2008

Observation of an Orbital Selective Electron-Mode Coupling in Fe-Based High-$T_c$ Superconductors

We have performed an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study of the new superconductor Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_2$As$_2$ in the low energy range. We report the observation of an anomaly around 25 meV in the dispersion of superconducting Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_2$As$_2$ samples that nearly vanishes above $T_c$. The energy scale of the related mode (13$\pm$2 meV) and its strong dependence on orbital and temperature indicates that it is unlikely related to phonons. Moreover, the momentum locations of the kink can be connected by the antiferromagnetic wavevector. Our results point towards an unconventional electronic origin of the mode and the superconducting pairing in the Fe-based superconductors, and strongly support the anti-phase s-wave pairing symmetry.

cond-mat.supr-con↗