18 research outputs found
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Evidence of a structural quantum critical point in (CaxSr1-x)3Rh4Sn13 from a lattice dynamics study
Approaching a quantum critical point (QCP) has been an effective route to
stabilize superconductivity. While the role of magnetic QCPs has been
extensively discussed, similar exploration of a structural QCP is scarce due to
the lack of suitable systems with a continuous structural transition that can
be conveniently tuned to 0~K. Using inelastic X-ray scattering, we examine the
phonon spectrum of the nonmagnetic quasi-skutterudite
(CaSr)RhSn, which represents a precious system to
explore the interplay between structural instabilities and superconductivity by
tuning the Ca concentration . We unambiguously detect the softening of
phonon modes around the M point on cooling towards the structural transition.
Intriguingly, at , the soft mode energy squared at the M point
extrapolates to zero at ~K, providing the first compelling
microscopic evidence of a structural QCP in
(CaSr)RhSn. The enhanced phonon density-of-states
at low energy provides the essential ingredient for realizing strong-coupling
superconductivity near the structural QCP
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Supporting data for "Evidence of a structural quantum critical point in (CaxSr1−x)3Rh4Sn13 from a lattice dynamics study"
Data underlying Figs. 3 and 4 in published manuscrip