Superconducting gap structure of the skutterudite LaPt4Ge12 probed by specific heat and thermal transport

We investigated the superconducting order parameter of the filled skutterudite LaPt4Ge12, with a transition temperature of Tc = 8.3 K. To this end, we performed temperature and magnetic-field dependent specific-heat and thermal-conductivity measurements. All data are compatible with a single superconducting s-wave gap. However, a multiband scenario cannot be ruled out. The results are discussed in the context of previous studies on the substitution series Pr1-xLaxPt4Ge12. They suggest compatible order parameters for the two end compounds LaPt4Ge12 and PrPt4Ge12. This is not consistent with a single s-wave gap in LaPt4Ge12 considering previous reports of unconventional and/or multiband superconductivity in PrPt4Ge12.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figure

Local magnetism in MnSiPt rules the chemical bond

A crystal structure can be understood as a result of bonding interactions (covalent, ionic, van der Waals, etc.) between the constituting atoms. If the forces caused by these interactions are equilibrated, the so-stabilized crystal structure should have the lowest energy. In such an atomic configuration, additional weaker atomic interactions may further reduce the total energy, influencing the final atomic arrangement. Indeed, in the intermetallic compound MnSiPt, a 3D framework is formed by polar covalent bonds between Mn, Si, and Pt atoms. Without taking into account the local spin polarization of manganese atoms, they would form Mn–Mn bonds within the framework. Surprisingly, the local magnetic moments of manganese prevent the formation of Mn–Mn bonds, thus changing decisively and significantly the final atomic arrangement.Among intermetallic compounds, ternary phases with the simple stoichiometric ratio 1:1:1 form one of the largest families. More than 15 structural patterns have been observed for several hundred compounds constituting this group. This, on first glance unexpected, finding is a consequence of the complex mechanism of chemical bonding in intermetallic structures, allowing for large diversity. Their formation process can be understood based on a hierarchy of energy scales: The main share is contributed by covalent and ionic interactions in accordance with the electronic needs of the participating elements. However, smaller additional atomic interactions may still tip the scales. Here, we demonstrate that the local spin polarization of paramagnetic manganese in the new compound MnSiPt rules the adopted TiNiSi-type crystal structure. Combining a thorough experimental characterization with a theoretical analysis of the energy landscape and the chemical bonding of MnSiPt, we show that the paramagnetism of the Mn atoms suppresses the formation of Mn–Mn bonds, deciding between competing crystal structures

muSR and Magnetometry Study of the Type-I Superconductor BeAu

We present muon spin rotation and relaxation (muSR) measurements as well as demagnetising field corrected magnetisation measurements on polycrystalline samples of the noncentrosymmetric superconductor BeAu. From muSR measurements in a transverse field, we determine that BeAu is a type-I superconductor with Hc = 256 Oe, amending the previous understanding of the compound as a type-II superconductor. To account for demagnetising effects in magnetisation measurements, we produce an ellipsoidal sample, for which a demagnetisation factor can be calculated. After correcting for demagnetising effects, our magnetisation results are in agreement with our muSR measurements. Using both types of measurements we construct a phase diagram from T = 30 mK to Tc = 3.25 K. We then study the effect of hydrostatic pressure and find that 450 MPa decreases Tc by 34 mK, comparable to the change seen in type-I elemental superconductors Sn, In and Ta, suggesting BeAu is far from a quantum critical point accessible by the application of pressure.Comment: 10 pages, 8 figure

Complex magnetic phase diagram of metamagnetic MnPtSi.

The magnetic, thermal and transport properties as well as electronic band structure of MnPtSi are reported. MnPtSi is a metal that undergoes a ferromagnetic transition at T_C = 340(1) K and a spin–reorientation transition at T_N = 326(1) K to an antiferromagnetic phase. First–principles electronic structure calculations indicate a not–fully polarized spin state of Mn in a d^5 electron configuration with J = S = 3/2, in agreement with the saturation magnetization of 3 µ_B per f.u. in the ordered state and the observed paramagnetic effective moment. A sizeable anomalous Hall effect in the antiferromagnetic phase alongside the computational study suggests that the antiferromagnetic structure is noncollinear. Based on thermodynamic measurements and resistivity data we construct a magnetic phase diagram. Magnetization curves M(H) at low temperatures reveal a metamagnetic transition of spin–flop type. The spin-flopped phase terminates at a critical point with T_cr ≈ 300 K and H_cr ≈ 10 kOe, near which a peak of the magnetocaloric entropy change is observed. Using Arrott plot analysis and magnetoresistivity data we argue that the metamagnetic transition is of a first–order type, whereas the strong field dependence of T_N and the linear relationship of the T_N with M^2 hint at its magnetoelastic nature

Complex magnetic phase diagram of metamagnetic MnPtSi

The magnetic, thermal and transport properties as well as electronic band structure of MnPtSi are reported. MnPtSi is a metal that undergoes a ferromagnetic transition at T_C = 340(1) K and a spin–reorientation transition at T_N = 326(1) K to an antiferromagnetic phase. First–principles electronic structure calculations indicate a not–fully polarized spin state of Mn in a d^5 electron configuration with J = S = 3/2, in agreement with the saturation magnetization of 3 µ_B per f.u. in the ordered state and the observed paramagnetic effective moment. A sizeable anomalous Hall effect in the antiferromagnetic phase alongside the computational study suggests that the antiferromagnetic structure is non–collinear. Based on thermodynamic measurements and resistivity data we construct a magnetic phase diagram. Magnetization curves M(H) at low temperatures reveal a metamagnetic transition of spin–flop type. The spin-flopped phase terminates at a critical point with T_cr ≈ 300 K and H_cr ≈ 10 kOe, near which a peak of the magnetocaloric entropy change is observed. Using Arrott plot analysis and magnetoresistivity data we argue that the metamagnetic transition is of a first–order type, whereas the strong field dependence of T_N and the linear relationship of the T_N with M^2 hint at its magnetoelastic nature

Anisotropic superconductivity and quantum oscillations in the layered dichalcogenide TaSnS2

TaSnS2 single crystal and polycrystalline samples are investigated in detail by magnetization, electrical resistivity, and specific heat as well as Raman spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Studies are focused on the temperature and magnetic field dependence of the superconducting state. We determine the critical fields for both directions B∥c and B⊥c. Additionally, we investigate the dependence of the resistivity, the critical temperature, and the structure through Raman spectroscopy under high pressure up to 10 GPa. At a pressure of ≈3GPa the superconductivity is suppressed below our minimum temperature. The Sn NMR powder spectrum shows a single line which is expected for the TaSnS2 phase and confirms the high sample quality. Pronounced de Haas-van Alphen oscillations in the ac susceptibility of polycrystalline sample reveal two pairs of frequencies indicating coexisting small and large Fermi surfaces. The effective mass of the smaller Fermi surface is ≈0.5me. We compare these results with the band structures from DFT calculations. Our findings on TaSnS2 are discussed in terms of a quasi-two-dimensional BCS superconductivity

AFe2As2 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba, Eu) and SrFe_(2-x)TM_(x)As2 (TM = Mn, Co, Ni): crystal structure, charge doping, magnetism and superconductivity

The electronic structure and physical properties of the pnictide compound families $RE$OFeAs ($RE$ = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm), $A$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ ($A$ = Ca, Sr, Ba, Eu), LiFeAs and FeSe are quite similar. Here, we focus on the members of the $A$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ family whose sample composition, quality and single crystal growth are better controllable compared to the other systems. Using first principles band structure calculations we focus on understanding the relationship between the crystal structure, charge doping and magnetism in $A$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ systems. We will elaborate on the tetragonal to orthorhombic structural distortion along with the associated magnetic order and anisotropy, influence of doping on the $A$ site as well as on the Fe site, and the changes in the electronic structure as a function of pressure. Experimentally, we investigate the substitution of Fe in SrFe$_{2-x}TM_{x}$As$_{2}$ by other 3$d$ transition metals, $TM$ = Mn, Co, Ni. In contrast to a partial substitution of Fe by Co or Ni (electron doping) a corresponding Mn partial substitution does not lead to the supression of the antiferromagnetic order or the appearance of superconductivity. Most calculated properties agree well with the measured properties, but several of them are sensitive to the As $z$ position. For a microscopic understanding of the electronic structure of this new family of superconductors this structural feature related to the Fe-As interplay is crucial, but its correct ab initio treatment still remains an open question.Comment: 27 pages, single colum

Chemical and Physical Properties of MnPtSi

The new intermetallic compound MnPtSi was synthesized, and its crystal structure was solved and refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. MnPtSi crystallizes in the orthorhombic TiNiSi structure type.1 The microstructure of polycrystalline samples show strong twinning. Structural phase transitions within the AlB2 structure family were observed in similar systems (MnNiGe, MnCoGe2). Therefore, we investigated the homogeneity range and performed in-situ high-temperature diffraction measurements. No high-temperature modification was observed. Theoretical calculations to confirm the experimental founding and give an explanation for the stability of the orthorhombic structure are in process