Author

Greg Egan

Date of Award

2010

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MSc)

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Supervisor

T. Timusk

Language

English

Abstract

Optical spectroscopy is an experimental tool used to probe the intermediate-energy level excitations in solid materials with the ultimate goal of achieving a bosonic spectral function. Reflectance of a sample is measured and then manipulated to yield frequency-dependent conductivity, dielectric functions, scattering rates and self-energies. The technique is particularly useful in probing the underlying electronic mechanisms in high-temperature superconductors.

The technique is applied to an Iron pnictide superconductor, namely BaFe1.8Co0.2As2. The reflectance is measured and reported, along with all relevant quantities derived from this result. In particular the bosonic spectral function is uncovered and then interpreted.

In addition, a "proof of concept" is included to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of the Maximum Entropy Inversion method which is used to uncover the boson spectral function. The results reported here make reference to an already published article on the Bi-2212 superconductor and the conclusion will be verified.

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