Bulk domain Meissner state in the ferromagnetic superconductor EuFe2(As0.8P0.2)2 : Consequence of compromise between ferromagnetism and superconductivity

Abstract

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements are performed on the ferromagnetic superconductor EuFe$_{2}$(As$_{0.8}$P$_{0.2}$)$_{2}$ ($T\rm_{sc}=22.5\,$K) to probe the delicate interplay between ferromagnetism and superconductivity. A clear signature of large ferromagnetic domains is found below the ferromagnetic ordering temperature $T\rm_{C}$ = 18.5 K. In a small temperature interval of $\sim$ 1.5 K below $T\rm_{C}$, additional SANS signal is observed, of which the indirect Fourier transform reveals characteristic length scales in between $\sim$ 80 nm to $\sim$ 160 nm. These nanometer-scaled domain structures are identified to result from an intermediate inhomogeneous Meissner effect denoted domain Meissner state, which was recently observed on the surface of EuFe$_{2}$(As$_{0.79}$P$_{0.21}$)$_{2}$ crystals by means of magnetic force microscopy [V. S. Stolyarov $\mathit{et}$ $\mathit{al.}$, Sci. Adv. 4, 1061 (2018)], ascribing to the competition between ferromagnetism and superconductivity. Our measurements clearly render the domain Meissner state as a bulk phenomenon and provide a key solution to the mystery regarding the intriguing coexistence of strong ferromagnetism and bulk superconductivity in these compounds.