Hidden $T$-Linear Scattering Rate in Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_2$As$_2$ Revealed by Optical Spectroscopy


Abstract in English

The optical properties of Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ have been determined in the normal state for a number of temperatures over a wide frequency range. Two Drude terms, representing two groups of carriers with different scattering rates ($1/tau$), well describe the real part of the optical conductivity, $sigma_{1}(omega)$. A broad Drude component results in an incoherent background with a $T$-independent $1/tau_b$, while a narrow Drude component reveals a $T$-linear $1/tau_n$ resulting in a resistivity $rho_n equiv 1/sigma_{1n}(omegarightarrow 0)$ also linear in temperature. An arctan($T$) low-frequency spectral weight is also a strong evidence for a $T$-linear 1/$tau$. Comparison to other materials with similar behavior suggests that the $T$-linear $1/tau_n$ and $rho_n$ in Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ originate from scattering from spin fluctuations and hence that an antiferromagnetic quantum critical point is likely to exist in the superconducting dome.

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