Hedgehog Spin-Vortex Crystal Antiferromagnetic Quantum Criticality in CaK(Fe1-xNix)4As4 Revealed by NMR

Two ordering states, antiferromagnetism and nematicity, have been observed in most iron-based superconductors (SCs). In contrast to those SCs, the newly discovered SC CaK(Fe1-xNix)(4)As-4 exhibits an antiferromagnetic (AFM) state, called hedgehog spin-vortex crystal (SVC) structure, without nematic order, providing the opportunity for the investigation into the relationship between spin fluctuations and SC without any effects of nematic fluctuations. Our As-75 nuclear magnetic resonance studies on CaK(Fe1-xNix)(4)As-4 (0 <= x <= 0.049) revealed that CaKFe4As4 is located close to a hidden hedgehog SVC AFM quantum-critical point (QCP). The magnetic QCP without nematicity in CaK(Fe1-xNix)(4)As-4 highlights the close connection of spin fluctuations and superconductivity in iron-based SCs. The advantage of stoichiometric composition also makes CaKFe4As4 an ideal platform for further detailed investigation of the relationship between magnetic QCP and superconductivity in iron-based SCs without disorder effects.