Lithium intercalated FeSe as a high-temperature superconducting ferromagnet

Abstract

Abstract Merging superconductivity and ferromagnetism in a single material may promise unparalleled quantum properties for next-generation devices. Here, we bring together the two antagonistic phenomena at a record-high temperature via electric-field controlled lithiation of FeSe. The in-situ gating allows us to switch the simple compound of FeSe between a nonmagnetic superconductor and a superconducting ferromagnet. In the latter state, itinerant ferromagnetism persists from above 200 K to a temperature well below the superconducting transition temperature (45 K), as demonstrated not only by magneto-transport but also via scanning superconducting quantum interference device (sSQUID) microscopy. Interestingly, applying certain in-plane magnetic fields enhances superconductivity, reflecting the intimate interplay between high-temperature superconductivity and ferromagnetism. Density-functional theory calculations further reveal the instability of FeSe toward ferromagnetism at a moderate lithium concentration. These findings open up fresh opportunities in iron-based superconductors that interface dissipationless electronics and spintronics.