Two-dimensional Cs-vacancy superstructure in iron-based superconductor $Cs_{0.8}Fe_{1.6}Se_2$

Single crystal neutron diffraction is combined with synchrotron x-ray scattering to identify the different superlattice phases present in $Cs_{0.8}Fe_{1.6}Se_2$. A combination of single crystal refinements and first principles modelling are used to provide structural solutions for the $sqrt{5}timessqrt{5}$ and $sqrt{2}timessqrt{2}$ superlattice phases. The $sqrt{5}timessqrt{5}$ superlattice structure is predominantly composed of ordered Fe vacancies and Fe distortions, whereas the $sqrt{2}timessqrt{2}$ superlattice is composed of ordered Cs vacancies. The Cs vacancies only order within the plane, causing Bragg rods in reciprocal space. By mapping x-ray diffraction measurements with narrow spatial resolution over the surface of the sample, the structural domain pattern was determined, consistent with the notion of a majority antiferromagnetic $sqrt{5}timessqrt{5}$ phase and a superconducting $sqrt{2}timessqrt{2}$ phase.