Band-selective gap opening by a C4-symmetric order in a proximity-coupled heterostructure Sr2VO3FeAs

Complex electronic phases in strongly correlated electron systems are manifested by broken symmetries in the low-energy electronic states. Some mysterious phases, however, exhibit intriguing energy gap opening without an apparent signature of symmetry breaking (e.g., high-T-C cuprates and heavy fermion superconductors). Here, we report an unconventional gap opening in a hetero-structured, iron-based superconductor Sr2VO3FeAs across a phase transition at T-0 similar to 150 K. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we identify that a fully isotropic gap opens selectively on one of the Fermi surfaces with finite warping along the interlayer direction. This band selectivity is incompatible with conventional gap opening mechanisms associated with symmetry breaking. These findings, together with the unusual field-dependent magneto-resistance, suggest that the Kondo-type proximity coupling of itinerant Fe electrons to localized V spin plays a role in stabilizing the exotic phase, which may serve as a distinct precursor state for unconventional superconductivity.

Automated summary

The unconventional gap opening in a hetero-structured iron-based superconductor Sr2VO3FeAs across a phase transition at T-0 around 150 K reveals an isotropic gap selectively opening on one Fermi surface with finite warping. This band selectivity is incompatible with conventional gap opening mechanisms and suggests a role of Kondo-type proximity coupling in stabilizing the exotic phase for potential unconventional superconductivity.