Mechanism for a pairing state with time-reversal symmetry breaking in iron-based superconductors

Abstract

The multipocket Fermi surfaces of iron-based superconductors promote pairing states with both extended s-wave and d-wave symmetry. We argue that the competition between these two order parameters could lead to a time-reversal symmetry-breaking state with s+id pairing symmetry in the iron-based superconductors, and propose several scenarios in which this phase may be found. To understand the emergence of such a pairing state on a more rigorous footing, we start from a microscopic five-orbital description representative of the pnictides. Using a combined approach of functional renormalization-group and mean-field analysis, we identify the microscopic parameters of the s+id pairing state. There, we find the most promising region for s+id pairing in the electron-doped regime with an enhanced pnictogen height.

Source-reported materials — not catalogue approval

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