Terahertz conductivity in FeSe0.5Te0.5 superconducting films

Abstract

Complex conductivity of FeSe _0.5 Te _0.5 superconducting films has been investigated using backward-wave-oscillator spectroscopy in the terahertz frequency range. The normal state conductivity corresponds well to the low-frequency limit of a Drude metal. In the superconducting state, the real part of the complex conductivity is not completely suppressed, indicating the existence of a strongly anisotropic gap. Weak features in the conductivity are consistent with the superconducting gap value close to 12 cm ^−1 (1.5 meV). The experimental results are discussed within the framework of a two-gap model based on the s ^± symmetry of the order parameter.