Microscopic Theory of Magnetic Detwinning in Iron-Based Superconductors with Large-Spin Rare Earths

Abstract

Detwinning of magnetic (nematic) domains in Fe-based superconductors has so far only been obtained through mechanical straining, which considerably perturbs the ground state of these materials. The recently discovered nonmechanical detwinning in EuFe2As2 by ultralow magnetic fields offers an entirely different, nonperturbing way to achieve the same goal. However, this way seemed risky due to the lack of a microscopic understanding of the magnetically driven detwinning. Specifically, the following issues remained unexplained: (i) ultralow value of the first detwinning field of approximately 0.1 T, two orders of magnitude below that of BaFe2As2, and (ii) reversal of the preferential domain orientation at approximately 1 T and restoration of the low-field orientation above 10-15 T. In this paper, we present, using published as well as newly measured data, a full theory that quantitatively explains all the observations. The key ingredient of this theory is a biquadratic coupling between Fe and Eu spins, analogous to the Fe-Fe biquadratic coupling that drives the nematic transition in this family of materials.