Optical and Raman spectroscopy studies on Fe-based superconductors

A brief review of optical and Raman studies on the Fe-based superconductors is given, with special emphasis on the competing phenomenon in this system. Optical investigations on ReFeAsO (Re = rare-earth element) and AFe(2)As(2) (A = alkaline-earth metal) families provide clear evidence for the gap formation in the broken symmetry states, including the partial gaps in the spin-density wave states of parent compounds, and the pairing gaps in the superconducting states for doped compounds. Especially, the superconducting gap has an s-wave pairing lineshape in hole-doped BaFe2As2. Optical phonons at zone center detected by Raman and infrared techniques are classified for several Fe-based compounds. Related issues. such as the electron-phonon Coupling and the effect of spin-density wave and superconducting transitions on phonons, are also discussed. Meanwhile, open questions including the T-dependent mid-infrared peak at 0.6-0.7 eV, electronic correlation, and the similarities/differences between high-T-c cuprates and Fe-based superconductors are also briefly discussed. Important results from other experimental probes are compared with optical data to better understand the spin-density wave properties, the superconductivity, and the multi-band character in Fe-based compounds. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.