Ginzburg–Landau theory of multi-band superconductivity and applications to Fe pnictides

We investigate multi-component superconductors, in relation to iron pnictides, by using the Ginzburg–Landau theory. We show that a three-band superconductor exhibits several significant properties that are not found in single-band or two-band superconductors. The frustrating pairing interaction among Fermi surfaces may lead to a time-reversal symmetry broken pairing state. In fact, we have a solution with time-reversal symmetry breaking, that is, a chiral solution when there is such a frustration. The Ginzburg–Landau equation for three-component superconductors leads to a double sine-Gordon equation. A kink solution exists to this equation that results in the existence of fractional-quantum flux vortices on the domain wall.

► We investigate chirality in multi-band superconductors. ► The frustrating pairing interactions lead to a chiral state. ► We obtained a double-sine Gordon equation from the GL functional. ► This equation yields fractional quantum-flux vortices.