Pairing instability near a lattice-influenced nematic quantum critical point

Abstract

We study how superconducting Tc is affected as an electronic system in a tetragonal environment is tuned to a nematic quantum critical point (QCP). Including coupling of the electronic nematic variable to the relevant lattice strain restricts criticality only to certain high symmetry directions. This allows a weak-coupling treatment, even at the QCP. We develop a criterion distinguishing weak and strong Tc enhancements upon approaching the QCP. We show that negligible Tc enhancement occurs only if pairing is dominated by a non-nematic interaction away from the QCP, and simultaneously if the electron-strain coupling is sufficiently strong. We argue this is the case of the iron superconductors.