Protonation-induced discrete superconducting phases in bulk FeSe single crystals

Abstract

The superconducting transition temperature, $T_{\mathrm{c}}$, of FeSe can be significantly enhanced several-fold by applying pressure, electron doping, intercalating spacing layer, and reducing dimensionality. Various ordered electronic phases, such as nematicity and spin density waves, have also been observed accompanying high-$T_{\mathrm{c}}$ superconductivity. Investigation on the evolution of the electronic structure with $T_{\mathrm{c}}$ is essential to understanding electronic behavior and high-$T_{\mathrm{c}}$ superconductivity in FeSe and its derived superconductors. In this report, we have found a series of discrete superconducting phases, with a maximum $T_{\mathrm{c}}$ up to 44 K, in H${}^{+}$-intercalated FeSe single crystals using an ionic liquid gating method. Accompanied with the increase of $T_{\mathrm{c}}$, suppression of the nematic phase and evolution from non-Fermi-liquid to Fermi-liquid behavior was observed. An abrupt change in the Fermi surface topology was proposed to explain the discrete superconducting phases. A band structure that favors the high-$T_{\mathrm{c}}$ superconducting phase was also revealed.

23 pages, 8 figures