Possible superconductivity in Sr₂IrO₄ probed by quasiparticle interference

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Superconductivity (SC) in Sr₂IrO₄ is a subject of intense research.
• Understanding the pairing symmetry is crucial for explaining SC mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically investigate quasiparticle interference (QPI) patterns in electron- and hole-doped Sr₂IrO₄.
• To determine possible superconducting (SC) pairing symmetries based on QPI spectra.
• To provide a theoretical framework for comparison with future experimental data.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical investigation of QPI patterns.
• Analysis of electron- and hole-doped Sr₂IrO₄ models.
• Comparison with cuprate and iron pnictide superconductor models.

Main Results:

• Electron-doped Sr₂IrO₄ QPI spectra align with the cuprate octet model.
• Hole-doped Sr₂IrO₄ exhibits Fermi surface topology and SC order parameter signs similar to iron pnictides.
• QPI vector behavior with energy and impurity scattering is explained by Fermi surface contours and SC order parameter sign structure.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a theoretical basis for identifying SC phases and pairing symmetries in doped Sr₂IrO₄.
• QPI spectra offer a means to experimentally distinguish between different SC pairing scenarios.
• Findings contribute to the broader understanding of unconventional superconductivity.