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kappa-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)(2)]Br: a fully gapped strong-coupling superconductor.
H Elsinger1, J Wosnitza, S Wanka
1Physikalisches Institut, Universität Karlsruhe, 76128 Karlsruhe, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|September 16, 2000
Summary
High-resolution specific-heat measurements reveal that the organic superconductor kappa-(bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene)2-Cu[N(CN)2]Br exhibits a fully gapped order parameter, evidenced by the exponential vanishing of its electronic specific heat in the superconducting state.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Organic Electronics
Background:
- Organic superconductors, such as kappa-(BEDT-TTF)2-Cu[N(CN)2]Br, are materials exhibiting superconductivity at low temperatures.
- Understanding the electronic properties and superconducting mechanisms in these materials is crucial for advancing superconductor technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific heat of kappa-(BEDT-TTF)2-Cu[N(CN)2]Br.
- To determine the nature of the superconducting state and the energy gap in this organic superconductor.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution specific-heat measurements were performed.
- Measurements were conducted in both the superconducting state (B = 0 Tesla) and the normal state (B = 14 Tesla).
Main Results:
- A distinct anomaly in specific heat was observed at the critical temperature (Tc) of 11.5 K.
- The electronic specific heat contribution (Ces) was well-described by strong-coupling BCS theory.
- Ces exhibited exponential vanishing in the superconducting state.
Conclusions:
- The exponential vanishing of Ces provides strong evidence for a fully gapped superconducting order parameter.
- The findings support the application of BCS theory to describe the electronic properties of this organic superconductor.