Using controlled disorder to distinguish $s_\pm$ and $s_{++}$ gap structure in Fe-based superconductors

We reconsider the effect of disorder on the properties of a superconductor characterized by a sign-changing order parameter appropriate for Fe-based materials. Within a simple two band model, we calculate simultaneously $T_c$, the change in residual resistivity $Δρ_0$, and the zero-energy density of states, and show how these results change for various types of gap structures and assumptions regarding the impurity scattering. The rate of $T_c$ suppression is shown to vary dramatically according to details of the impurity model considered. We search therefore for a practical, experimentally oriented signature of a gap of the $s_\pm$ type, and propose that observation of particular evolution of the penetration depth, nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation rate, or thermal conductivity temperature dependence with disorder would suffice.

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