In-plane electronic anisotropy in underdoped Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Co$_x$)$_2$As$_2$ revealed by detwinning in a magnetic field

ORAL

Abstract

We present results of angle-dependent magnetoresistance measurements and direct optical images of underdoped Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Co$_x$)$_2$As$_2$ which reveal partial detwinning by action of a 14T magnetic field. Driven by a substantial magneto-elastic coupling, this result provides evidence for an electronic origin of the lattice distortion in underdoped iron pnictides. The observed anisotropy in these partially detwinned samples implies a substantial in-plane electronic anisotropy in the broken symmetry state, with a smaller resistivity along the antiferromagnetic ordering direction.

Authors

  • Jiun-Haw Chu

    Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, 2575 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA., Stanford University

  • James Analytis

    Stanford Linear Accelerator center, Stanford University

  • David Press

    E.L. Ginzton Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford University

  • Kristiaan De Greve

    E.L. Ginzton Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford University

  • Thaddeus Ladd

    E.L. Ginzton Laboratory, Stanford University and National Institute of Informatics, Tokyo, Japan, Stanford University

  • Yoshihisa Yamamoto

    Stanford University

  • Ian Fisher

    Stanford, Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, 2575 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA., GLAM, Stanford University, Ca 94304, Stanford University