Quantum waveguide theory of Andreev spectroscopy in multiband superconductors: The case of iron pnictides

Abstract

The problem of Andreev reflection between a normal metal and a multiband superconductor is addressed. The appropriate matching conditions for the wave function at the interface are established on the basis of an extension of quantum waveguide theory to these systems. Interference effects between different bands of the superconductor manifest themselves in the conductance and the case of FeAs superconductors is specifically considered, in the framework of a recently proposed effective two-band model, in the sign-reversed $s$-wave pairing scenario. Resonant transmission through surface Andreev bound states is found as well as destructive interference effects that produce zeros in the conductance at normal incidence. Both these effects occur at nonzero bias voltage.