By partially substituting the tri-valence element La with di-valence element Sr in LaOFeAs, we introduced holes into the system. For the first time, we successfully synthesized the hole-doped new superconductors (La1−xSrx)OFeAs. The maximum superconducting transition temperature at about 25 K was observed at a doping level of x = 0.13. It is evidenced by Hall effect measurements that the conduction in this type of material is dominated by hole-like charge carriers, rather than electron-like ones. Together with the data of the electron-doped system La(O1−xFx)FeAs, a generic phase diagram is depicted and is revealed to be similar to that of the cuprate superconductors.

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By measuring the magnetization hysteresis loops of superconducting Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 single crystals, we obtained the high upper critical field and large current carrying ability which point to optimistic applications. The fishtail (or second peak) effect is also found in the material, and the position of the vortex pinning force shows a maximum at 1/3 of the reduced field, being consistent with the picture of vortex pinning by small size normal cores in the sample. Together with the resistive measurements, for the first time the vortex phase diagram is obtained for superconductor Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2.