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First-order superconducting transition near a ferromagnetic quantum critical point
Andrey V Chubukov1, Alexander M Finkel'stein, Robert Haslinger
1Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|March 14, 2003
Summary
Triplet superconductivity near a ferromagnetic quantum critical point avoids pair-breaking effects. The system transitions at a higher critical temperature via a first-order transition, unlike previous findings.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Critical Phenomena
Background:
- Superconductivity near ferromagnetic quantum critical points (FQCP) is often suppressed.
- Thermal spin fluctuations near FQCP typically cause pair-breaking effects, reducing the critical temperature (T(c)).
- Previous models predicted a second-order superconducting transition with reduced T(c) near FQCP.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the emergence of triplet superconductivity near an FQCP.
- Re-evaluate the order of the superconducting transition and its critical temperature.
- Understand how pair-breaking effects are avoided in this regime.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of electronic systems near an FQCP.
- Modeling of spin fluctuations and their impact on superconductivity.
- Phase diagram analysis to determine transition orders.
Main Results:
- The system avoids pair-breaking effects near the FQCP.
- A first-order superconducting transition occurs at a significantly higher T(c) than previously predicted.
- A second-order superconducting transition is observed only further away from the FQCP.
Conclusions:
- Triplet superconductivity can emerge robustly near an FQCP via a first-order transition.
- The standard understanding of pair-breaking effects near FQCP needs revision for triplet superconductivity.
- The findings offer new insights into unconventional superconductivity mechanisms.