Site specific spin dynamics in BaFe2As2: tuning the ground state by orbital differentiation
Abstract
The role of orbital differentiation on the emergence of superconductivity in the Fe-based superconductors remains an open question to the scientific community. In this investigation, we employ a suitable microscopic spin probe technique, namely Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), to investigate this issue on selected chemically substituted BaFe2As2 single crystals. As the spin-density wave (SDW) phase is suppressed, we observe a clear increase of the Fe 3d bands anisotropy along with their localization at the FeAs plane. Such an increase of the planar orbital content interestingly occurs independently on the chemical substitution responsible for suppressing the SDW phase. As a consequence, the magnetic fluctuations combined with the resultant particular symmetry of the Fe 3d bands are propitious ingredients to the emergence of superconductivity in this class of materials.