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Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Comparison of Two Different Synthesis Methods of Single Crystals of Superconducting Uranium Ditelluride
Published on: July 8, 2021
First-order superconducting transition of Sr2RuO4
Shingo Yonezawa1, Tomohiro Kajikawa1, Yoshiteru Maeno1
1Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
The superconducting-normal transition in Sr(2)RuO(4) is first-order below 0.8 K for specific magnetic fields, unlike typical superconductors. This finding suggests a new mechanism is needed to explain how magnetic fields break superconductivity in this material.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Strontium ruthenate (Sr(2)RuO(4)) is a prime candidate for unconventional spin-triplet superconductivity.
- Understanding the nature of its superconducting-normal (S-N) transition is crucial for its technological applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the thermodynamic nature of the S-N transition in Sr(2)RuO(4).
- To determine if the transition is first-order or second-order under specific conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the magnetocaloric effect to probe thermodynamic properties.
- Applying magnetic fields at various orientations relative to the conducting plane.
Main Results:
- Evidence of a first-order S-N transition below approximately 0.8 K.
- This first-order transition is observed only for magnetic field directions closely aligned with the conducting plane.
- An entropy release of 10% of the normal-state entropy was measured at 0.2 K.
Conclusions:
- The S-N transition in Sr(2)RuO(4) behaves differently from ordinary type-II superconductors, which exhibit second-order transitions.
- The results necessitate the development of novel theoretical mechanisms to explain superconductivity breakdown by magnetic fields in this material.
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