Test of Superconducting Electron Pairing Mediated by Quantum Liquid Crystal Fluctuations

Abstract

In this article, we present a review of our recent findings on FeSe_1-xTe_x superconductors, which exhibit an electronic nematic order, one of the quantum liquid crystal phases. Elastoresistivity measurements have provided evidence for a pure nematic quantum critical point lying beneath the superconducting dome of FeSe_1-xTe_x . Through an analysis of the upper critical field measurements, we have found that superconducting pairing is strengthend as approaching this quantum critical point. These observations demonstrate the significant role played by fluctuations of the quantum liquid crystal phase in promoting and influencing superconductivity.