Unusual Nernst effect and spin density wave precursors in superconducting LaFeAsO1-xFx

The Nernst effect has recently been proven as a sensitive probe for detecting unusual normal state properties of unconventional superconductors. Here we present a systematic study of the Nernst effect of the iron pnictide superconductor LaFeAsO1-xFx with a particular focus on its evolution upon doping. For the parent compound we observe a huge negative Nernst coefficient accompanied with a severe violation of the Sondheimer cancellation in the spin density wave (SDW) ordered state. Surprisingly, an unusual and enhanced Nernst signal is also found at underdoping (x = 0.05) despite the presence of bulk superconductivity and the absence of static magnetic order, strongly suggestive of SDW precursors at T less than or similar to 150 K. A more conventional normal state Nernst response is observed at optimal doping (x = 0.1) where it is rather featureless with a more complete Sondheimer cancellation.