Time-reversal symmetry breaking in Re-based superconductors

Shang, T., Smidman, M., Ghosh, S.K., Baines, C., Chang, L.J., Gawryluk, D.J., Barker, J.A.T., Singh, R.P., Paul, D. McK., Balakrishnan, G., and others. (2018) Time-reversal symmetry breaking in Re-based superconductors. Physical Review Letters, 121 (25). Article Number 257002. ISSN 0031-9007. E-ISSN 1079-7114. (doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.121.257002) (KAR id:70511)

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Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.121.257002

Abstract

To trace the origin of time-reversal symmetry breaking (TRSB) in Re-based superconductors, we performed comparative muon-spin rotation/relaxation (µSR) studies of superconducting noncentrosymmetric Re\(_{0.82}\)Nb\(_{0.18}\) (\(T\)\(_c\) = 8.8 K) and centrosymmetric Re (\(T\)\(_c\) = 2.7 K). In Re\(_{0.82}\)Nb\(_{0.18}\), the low-temperature superfluid density and the electronic specific heat evidence a fully-gapped superconducting state, whose enhanced gap magnitude and specific-heat discontinuity suggest a moderately strong electron-phonon coupling. In both Re\(_{0.82}\)Nb\(_{0.18}\) and pure Re, the spontaneous magnetic fields revealed by zero-field µSR below \(T\)\(_c\) indicate time-reversal symmetry breaking and thus unconventional superconductivity. The concomitant occurrence of TRSB in centrosymmetric Re and noncentrosymmetric Re\(T\) (\(T\) = transition metal), yet its preservation in the isostructural noncentrosymmetric superconductors Mg\(_{10}\)Ir\(_{19}\)B\(_{16}\) and Nb\(_{0.5}\)Os\(_{0.5}\), strongly suggests that the local electronic structure of Re is crucial for understanding the TRSB superconducting state in Re and Re\(T\). We discuss the superconducting order parameter symmetries that are compatible with the observations.

Item Type:	Article
DOI/Identification number:	10.1103/PhysRevLett.121.257002
Additional information:	Article number: 257002
Uncontrolled keywords:	Physics of Quantum Materials; superconductivity; noncentrosymmetric materials; superconductors; unconventional superconductors; muon spin relaxation and rotation
Subjects:	Q Science > QC Physics
Divisions:	Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Physics and Astronomy
Depositing User:	Jorge Quintanilla Tizon
Date Deposited:	30 Nov 2018 15:39 UTC
Last Modified:	04 Jul 2023 14:46 UTC
Resource URI:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/70511 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Ghosh, S.K..

Creator's ORCID:	https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3646-0629
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Quintanilla, J..

Creator's ORCID:	https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8572-730X
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

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