Orbital occupancy and charge doping in iron-based superconductors

Adv Mater. 2014 Sep 17;26(35):6193-8. doi: 10.1002/adma.201401518. Epub 2014 Jul 28.

Abstract

The intrinsic Fe local magnetic moment and Fe orbital occupations of iron-based superconductors are unveiled through the local, real-space capability of aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy/electron energy loss spectroscopy (STEM/EELS). Although the ordering of Fe moments needs to be suppressed for superconductivity to arise, the local, fluctuating Fe magnetic moment is enhanced near optimal superconductivity.

Keywords: electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS); iron-based superconductors; local magnetic moments; scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.