Pressure Evolution of Ultrafast Photocarrier Dynamics and Electron–Phonon Coupling in FeTe_0.5Se_0.5

Abstract

Understanding the coupling between electrons and phonons in iron chalcogenides FeTexSe1−x has remained a critical but arduous project in recent decades. The direct observation of the electron–phonon coupling effect through electron dynamics and vibrational properties has been lacking. Here, we report the first pressure-dependent ultrafast photocarrier dynamics and Raman scattering studies on an iron chalcogenide FeTe0.5Se0.5 to explore the interaction between electrons and phonons in this unconventional superconductor. The lifetime of the excited electrons evidently decreases as the pressure increases from 0 to 2.2 GPa, and then increases with further compression. The vibrational properties of the A1g phonon mode exhibit similar behavior, with a pronounced frequency reduction appearing at approximately 2.3 GPa. The dual evidence reveals the enhanced electron–phonon coupling strength with pressure in FeTe0.5Se0.5. Our results give an insight into the role of the electron–phonon coupling effect in iron-based superconductors.

Keywords

• iron chalcogenides
• phonons
• Raman scattering
• femtosecond