Local orthorhombic lattice distortions in the paramagnetic tetragonal phase of superconducting NaFe_1-xNi_xAs.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the interplay between nematicity, magnetism and superconductivity is pivotal for elucidating the physics of iron-based superconductors. Here we use neutron scattering to probe magnetic and nematic orders throughout the phase diagram of NaFe_1-xNi_xAs, finding that while both static antiferromagnetic and nematic orders compete with superconductivity, the onset temperatures for these two orders remain well separated approaching the putative quantum critical points. We uncover local orthorhombic distortions that persist well above the tetragonal-to-orthorhombic structural transition temperature T_s in underdoped samples and extend well into the overdoped regime that exhibits neither magnetic nor structural phase transitions. These unexpected local o

SUBMITTER: Wang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6081486 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature