Strong Coupling and Double Gap Density of States in Superconducting MgB2

Abstract

Using scanning tunneling spectroscopy at T = 4.2 K, we perform simultaneously the topographic imaging and the quasiparticle density of states (DOS) mapping in granular MgB2. We observe a new type of spectrum, showing a pronounced double gap, with the magnitudes of Delta_S = 3.9 meV and Delta_L = 7.5 meV, i.e. well below and well above the BCS limit. The largest gap value gives the ratio 2*Delta_L/k_B T_c = 4.5, which implies strong electron-phonon coupling. Other superconducting regions are found to have a characteristic BCS-shaped DOS. However, the variation of the spectral shape and lower gap widths, from 2.0 meV to 6.5 meV, indicate the importance of surface inhomogeneity and proximity effects in previously published tunneling data. Our finding gives no evidence for any important gap anisotropy. Instead, it strongly supports the multiple gap scenario in MgB2 in the clean limit, and the single gap scenario in the dirty limit.

arXiv comment4 pages, 4 figures. 1 figure added, text revised

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