Nematic pairing from orbital-selective spin fluctuations in FeSe

FeSe is an intriguing iron-based superconductor. It presents an unusual nematic state without magnetism and can be tuned to increase the critical superconducting temperature. Recently it has been observed a noteworthy anisotropy of the superconducting gaps. Its explanation is intimately related to the understanding of the nematic transition itself. Here, we show that the spin-nematic scenario driven by orbital-selective spin fluctuations provides a simple scheme to understand both phenomena. The pairing mediated by anisotropic spin modes is not only orbital selective but also nematic, leading to stronger pair scattering across the hole and X electron pocket. The delicate balance between orbital ordering and nematic pairing points also to a marked k z dependence of the hole–gap anisotropy.