Tuning superconductivity by magnetic fields in Eu(Fe0.81Co0.19)2As2

Abstract

The distinct difference between BCS-type and unconventional triplet superconductivity manifests itself in their response to external magnetic fields. An applied field easily extinguishes s-wave singlet superconductivity by both the paramagnetic or orbital pair-breaking effects. However, it hardly destroys triplet state because the paramagnetic effect, owing to spins of the Cooper pairs readily aligned with the field, is not so efficacious. This suggests that the triplet superconductivity may be affected mostly by the orbital effect. Conversely, if one can break down the orbital effect then one can recover the superconductivity. Here, we show that superconductivity can be induced with magnetic fields applied parallel to the ab plane of crystals of the magnetic Eu(Fe0.81Co0.19)2As2 superconductor. We argue that the tuning superconductivy may be actuated by relative enhancement of ferromagnetic interactions between the Eu2+ moments lying in adjacent layers and removal of their canting toward c axis that is present in zero field.

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