Observation of multiple superconducting gaps in Fe1+yTe1-xSex via a nano-scale approach to point-contact spectroscopy

Abstract

We report a distinct experimental approach to point-contact Andreev reflection spectroscopy with diagnostic capability via a unique design of nano-scale normal metal/superconductor devices with excellent thermo-mechanical stability, and have employed this method to unveil the existence of two superconducting energy gaps in iron chalcogenide Fe1+yTe1-xSex which is crucial for understanding its pairing mechanism. This work opens up new opportunities to study gap structures in superconductors and elemental excitations in solids.