3D visualizations of nanoscale phase separation and ultrafast dynamic correlation between phases in (Na0.32K0.68)(0.95)Fe1.75Se2

Abstract

Phase separation of metallic and antiferromagnetic (AFM) insulating phases in alkaline iron selenides (A(x)Fe(2)-ySe(2)) continues to attract intense interest because the relationship between two peculiar features probably is a key to clarifying the pairing mechanism of A(x)Fe(2-y)Se(2) superconductors. Here we report that the three-dimensional (3D) visualizations of nanoscale phase separation in (Na0.32K0.68)(0.95)Fe1.75Se2 single crystals are revealed by hybrid focused-ion-beam scanning electron microscopy and the superconducting paths are fully percolative in 3D. Moreover, the phase-related ultrafast dynamics in (Na0.32K0.68)(0.95)Fe1.75Se2 is studied by dual-color pump-probe spectroscopy. The anomalous changes in the electron and acoustic phonon components of transient reflectivity change (Delta R/R) identify two characteristic temperatures T* similar to 100K (the onset temperature of coupling between the nanometallic and AFM phases) and T-H similar to 230K (the onset temperature of the metallic-interface phase). An energy-transfer channel between the nanometallic and AFM phases is inferred. This proposed channel provides insight into the pairing mechanism of alkaline iron selenide superconductors.