Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
04:51
Comparison of Two Different Synthesis Methods of Single Crystals of Superconducting Uranium Ditelluride
Published on: July 8, 2021
Field re-entrant hidden-order phase under pressure in URu2Si2.
D Aoki1, F Bourdarot, E Hassinger
1INAC/SPSMS, CEA-Grenoble, 17 rue des Martyrs, F-38054 Grenoble, France. dai.aoki@cea.fr
Summary
High-quality URu2Si2 single crystals revealed a hidden-order phase reappearing under magnetic fields. Researchers mapped the pressure-temperature-field phase diagram, detailing paramagnetic, hidden-order, and antiferromagnetic states.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Materials
Background:
- URu2Si2 is a prototypical heavy-fermion compound exhibiting complex electronic phases.
- Understanding the interplay between hidden order, antiferromagnetism, and superconductivity is crucial for novel quantum materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pressure-temperature-field phase diagram of URu2Si2.
- To elucidate the conditions under which the hidden-order phase reappears.
- To characterize the superconducting properties in relation to other phases.
Main Methods:
- Growth of high-quality URu2Si2 single crystals.
- Thermal expansion measurements under applied pressure.
- Magnetic field application along the [001] direction.
- AC specific heat measurements to determine the upper critical field (Hc2).
Main Results:
- The hidden-order phase was observed to reappear upon suppression of the antiferromagnetic phase above a critical pressure (Px).
- A detailed pressure-temperature-field phase diagram was constructed, delineating paramagnetic, hidden-order, and antiferromagnetic regions.
- The temperature dependence of the upper critical field (Hc2) was determined for different crystallographic directions, confirming bulk superconductivity.
Conclusions:
- The study provides critical insights into the complex phase competition in URu2Si2.
- The reappearance of the hidden-order phase highlights its distinct nature and sensitivity to external stimuli.
- The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of superconductivity in correlated electron systems.
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