Published in

National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 18(119), 2022

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110501119

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Pure nematic quantum critical point accompanied by a superconducting dome

This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

Significance The notion of the quantum critical point (QCP) is at the core of modern condensed matter physics. Near a QCP of the symmetry-breaking order, associated quantum-mechanical fluctuations are intensified, which can lead to unconventional superconductivity. Indeed, dome-shaped superconducting phases are often observed near the magnetic QCPs, which supports the spin fluctuation–driven superconductivity. However, the fundamental question remains as to whether a nonmagnetic QCP of electronic nematic order characterized by spontaneous rotational symmetry breaking can promote superconductivity in real materials. Here, we provide an experimental demonstration that a pure nematic QCP exists near the center of a superconducting dome in nonmagnetic FeSe 1 − x Te x . This result evidences that nematic fluctuations enhanced around the nematic QCP can boost superconductivity.