Nanoscale surface element identification and dopant homogeneity in the high-Tc superconductor PrxCa1-xFe 2As2

Ilija Zeljkovic, Dennis Huang, Can Li Song, Bing Lv, Ching Wu Chu, Jennifer E. Hoffman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We use scanning tunneling microscopy to determine the surface structure and dopant distribution in PrxCa1-xFe2As 2, the highest-Tc member of the 122 family of iron-based superconductors. We identify the cleaved surface termination by mapping the local tunneling barrier height, related to the work function. We image the individual Pr dopants responsible for superconductivity, and show that they do not cluster, but in fact repel each other at short length scales. We therefore suggest that the low volume fraction high-Tc superconducting phase is unlikely to originate from Pr inhomogeneity.

Original languageEnglish
Article number201108
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume87
Issue number20
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013 May 17

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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