Tuning the pressure-induced superconductivity in Pd-substituted CeRhIn5

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Superconductivity

Background:

• Cerium-based intermetallic compounds are known for their complex electronic behaviors.
• Investigating the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity is crucial for understanding exotic quantum phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To study the effect of palladium (Pd) substitution for rhodium (Rh) in CeRh(1-x)Pd(x)In5 single crystals.
• To explore how Pd substitution influences the structural, magnetic, and superconducting properties under hydrostatic pressure.

Main Methods:

• Single crystals of CeRh(1-x)Pd(x)In5 were grown using the In self-flux method.
• Crystallographic characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction and microprobe analysis.
• Low-temperature resistivity measurements were conducted under hydrostatic pressures up to 2.25 GPa.

Main Results:

• The tetragonal HoCoGa5-type structure and c/a ratio remained intact with Pd substitution.
• Unit cell volume showed a minor increase of 0.6% for x = 0.25 Pd.
• Pd substitution negligibly affected magnetic behavior and superconducting transition temperature at pressures above 2 GPa.

Conclusions:

• Palladium substitution in CeRh(1-x)Pd(x)In5 induces superconductivity at significantly lower pressures.
• The substitution shifts the system towards the coexistence of magnetism and superconductivity at ambient pressure.