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Pair density modulation from nematic superconductivity in systems with intra-unit-cell symmetry breaking
Michał Papaj1, Lingyuan Kong2,3, Stevan Nadj-Perge2,3
1Department of Physics and Texas Center for Superconductivity at University of Houston (TcSUH), University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA. mpapaj@uh.edu.
Nature Communications
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Pair density modulation in iron-based superconductors is explained by nematic superconductivity, breaking crystal symmetry. This leads to distinct superconducting gap variations across iron sublattices.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Superconductivity research
Background:
- Pair density modulation observed in exfoliated iron-based superconductors.
- Superconducting gap oscillates with crystalline lattice periodicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- Propose a model for pair density modulation.
- Explain modulation via nematic superconductivity and broken symmetries.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of superconducting systems.
- Analysis of Fermi surface and superconducting gap properties.
Main Results:
- Nematic superconductivity breaks four-fold rotation symmetry.
- Sublattice texture emerges on the Fermi surface.
- Anisotropic superconducting gap in the nematic s± + d state.
Conclusions:
- Distinct gap maxima/minima on inequivalent iron sublattices.
- Modulation provides insight into superconducting pairing mechanisms.
- Potential for visualizing phase transitions using local probes.
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