Unusual Pressure-Induced Quantum Phase Transition from Superconducting to Charge-Density Wave State in...

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Materials

Background:

• Superconducting (SC) and charge-density wave (CDW) states are fundamental phenomena in condensed matter physics.
• Understanding the interplay between SC and CDW states under external stimuli like pressure is crucial for discovering novel quantum materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of pressure on the electronic and phonon properties of the rare-earth-based cubic-Heusler compound LuPd2In.
• To explore the possibility of pressure-induced phase transitions in LuPd2In.

Main Methods:

• Ab initio density functional theory calculations were employed.
• Analysis of electronic structures and phonon properties under varying pressure conditions.

Main Results:

• A pressure-induced phase transition from a superconducting (SC) to a charge-density wave (CDW) state was observed in LuPd2In.
• The superconducting transition temperature (Tc) initially increases with pressure up to approximately 28 GPa.
• Above 28 GPa, a quantum phase transition into the CDW state occurs, driven by phonon softening instability at the M point in the Brillouin zone.

Conclusions:

• LuPd2In exhibits an unusual behavior where pressure, typically detrimental to CDW states, promotes this transition.
• The material serves as a unique platform to realize a CDW quantum critical point within the superconducting dome by applying pressure.