Filamentary superconductivity across the phase diagram of Ba(Fe,Co)$_2$As$_2$

Authors :: Xiao, H.
Hu, T.
He, S. K.
Shen, B.
Zhang, W. J.
Xu, B.
He, K. F.
Han, J.
Singh, Y. P.
Wen, H. H.
Qiu, X. G.
Panagopoulos, C.
Almasan, C. C.
Source :: Phys. Rev. B 86, 064521 (2012)
Publication Year :: 2012
Abstract: We show magnetotransport results on Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Co$_x$)$_2$As$_2$ ($0.0 \leq x \leq 0.13$) single crystals. We identify the low temperature resistance step at 23 K in the parent compound with the onset of filamentary superconductivity (FLSC), which is suppressed by an applied magnetic field in a similar manner to the suppression of bulk superconductivity (SC) in doped samples. FLSC is found to persist across the phase diagram until the long range antiferromagnetic order is completely suppressed. A significant suppression of FLSC occurs for $0.02<x<0.04$, the doping concentration where bulk SC emerges. Based on these results and the recent report of an electronic anisotropy maximum for 0.02 $\leq x \leq$ 0.04 [Science 329, 824 (2010)], we speculate that, besides spin fluctuations, orbital fluctuations may also play an important role in the emergence of SC in iron-based superconductors.<br />Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures