Experimental consequences of the s -wave cos(kx)cos(ky) superconductivity in the iron pnictides

The experimental consequences of different order parameters in iron-based superconductors are theoretically analyzed. We consider both nodeless and nodal order parameters, with emphasis on the cos(k_x)cos(k_y) nodeless order parameter recently derived by Seo [arXiv:0805.2958, Phys. Rev. Lett. (to be published)]. We analyze the effect of this order parameter on the spectral function, density of states, tunneling differential conductance, penetration depth, and the NMR spin-relaxation time. This extended s -wave symmetry has line zeros in between the electron and hole pockets, but they do not intersect the two Fermi surfaces for moderate doping, and the superconductor is fully gapped. However, this suggests several quantitative tests: the exponential decay of the penetration depth weakens and the density of states reveals a smaller gap upon electron or hole doping. Moreover, the cos(k_x)cos(k_y) superconducting gap is largest on the smallest (hole) Fermi surface. For the 1/T₁ NMR spin-relaxation rate, the interband contribution is consistent with the current experimental results, including a (nonuniversal) T³ behavior and the absence of a coherence peak. However, the intraband contribution is considerably larger than the interband contributions and still exhibits a small enhancement in the NMR spin-relaxation rate right below T_c in the clean limit.