One-dimensional Electronic Order in Fe1.07Te Probed by Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy

We have performed scanning tunneling microscopy on Fe1.07Te that is the parent compound of the iron-chalcogenide superconductors (SCs). The results indicate the existence of the unidirectional electronic order with a period of a0 (a0 interchalcogen distance) along one Te–Te direction. From the one-dimensionality of the electronic order, it is believed that the structural or antiferromagnetic transition is closely related to the formation of this electronic order. The results in this study will be crucial key in understanding the parent state of iron-chalcogenide SCs.