Two distinct superconducting states controlled by orientation of local wrinkles in LiFeAs

Abstract

We observe two types of superconducting states controlled by orientations of local wrinkles on the surface of LiFeAs. Using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, we find type-I wrinkles enlarge the superconducting gaps and enhance the transition temperature, whereas type-II wrinkles significantly suppress the superconducting gaps. The vortices on wrinkles show a C2 symmetry, indicating the strain effects on the wrinkles. A discontinuous switch of superconductivity occurs at the border between two different wrinkles. Our results demonstrate that the local strain effect could affect superconducting order parameter of LiFeAs with a possible Lifshitz transition, by alternating crystal structure in different directions.

21 pages, 9 figures

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• Ordered and tunable Majorana-zero-mode lattice in naturally strained LiFeAs
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• Directly visualizing nematic superconductivity driven by the pair density wave in NbSe${}_2$
• Tuning multiple Landau Quantization in Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide with Strain
• Quantifying magnetic field driven lattice distortions in kagome metals at the femto-scale using scanning tunneling microscopy
• Absence of hexagonal to square structural transition in LiFeAs vortex matter
• Ultrafast Relaxation Dynamics of Spin-Density Wave Order in BaFe${}_2$As${}_2$ under High Pressures
• High-pressure self-flux growth and characterization of Li-deficient Li0.95FeAs single crystals
• Nanoscale strain manipulation of smectic susceptibility in kagome superconductors