Neutron scattering studies in the newly discovered iron-based superconductors

Abstract

In this talk, I will give an overview of the significance and advantages of using neutron scattering techniques. In addition, I will discuss the current state of neutron scattering in Asia, focusing on the possibilities and prospects towards taking advantage of the available neutron scattering user facilities in the region. A brief review will be made to trace the roadmap of superconductivity until the recent discovery of Fe-based superconductors. Along the way, the contributions of neutron scattering will be highlighted with particular interest towards our pioneering work on LaFeAsF_xO_1-x, the first Fe-pnictide high temperature superconductor that was discovered. Our approach was to use neutron scattering to determine the structural and magnetic phase transitions in these doped transition metal oxides to understand their electronic properties. Our work is focused on a systematic measurement to establish the doping evolution of the AFM order and its relationship to superconductivity. A determination of the structural, magnetic, and superconductivity phase diagram in these new and exciting Fe pnictide superconducting systems will allow a direct comparison with the phase diagram of high-Tc copper oxides.