CM In the literature: partially resolved

Does the gap change sign between hole and electron pockets

In plain words

The leading theory says the pairing amplitude has opposite sign on different pockets of the Fermi surface ($s\pm$ pairing); several experiments support it but a direct sign measurement is lacking.

Precise statement

In bulk iron pnictides with both hole pockets at $\Gamma$ and electron pockets at $M$ (for example Ba1-xKxFe2As2, LiFeAs), establish by a phase-sensitive probe whether the gap changes sign between them ($s\pm$) or not ($s++$). An answer is a measurement in which the sign enters directly, such as a Josephson interferometer or phase-referenced quasiparticle interference with known impurity potentials.

What would settle it

A phase-sensitive interference or Josephson experiment with an unambiguous sign signature reproduced in two materials.

Status in the literature

Neutron spin resonance and phase-referenced quasiparticle interference support $s\pm$; some impurity-scattering results were argued to favor $s++$.

See also