Litcius/Paper detail

Lattice-shifted nematic quantum critical point in FeSe1−xSx

S. Chibani, D. Farina, P. Massat, M. Cazayous, A. Sacuto, T. Urata, Y. Tanabe, K. Tanigaki, A. E. Böhmer, P. C. Canfield, M. Merz, S. Karlsson, P. Strobel, P. Toulemonde, I. Paul, Y. Gallais

2021npj Quantum Materials19 citationsDOIOpen Access PDF

Abstract

Abstract We report the evolution of nematic fluctuations in FeSe 1− x S x single crystals as a function of Sulfur content x across the nematic quantum critical point (QCP) x c ~ 0.17 via Raman scattering. The Raman spectra in the B 1g nematic channel consist of two components, but only the low energy one displays clear fingerprints of critical behavior and is attributed to itinerant carriers. Curie–Weiss analysis of the associated nematic susceptibility indicates a substantial effect of nemato-elastic coupling, which shifts the location of the nematic QCP. We argue that this lattice-induced shift likely explains the absence of any enhancement of the superconducting transition temperature at the QCP. The presence of two components in the nematic fluctuations spectrum is attributed to the dual aspect of electronic degrees of freedom in Hund’s metals, with both itinerant carriers and local moments contributing to the nematic susceptibility.

Topics & Concepts

Liquid crystalCondensed matter physicsCritical point (mathematics)PhysicsBiaxial nematicQuantum critical pointRaman spectroscopyDegrees of freedom (physics and chemistry)QuantumQuantum phase transitionPhase transitionSpectrum (functional analysis)Phase (matter)Function (biology)SuperconductivityTransition temperaturePoint (geometry)Transition pointMaterials scienceIron-based superconductors researchPhysics of Superconductivity and MagnetismSuperconductivity in MgB2 and Alloys