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Interplay between multipolar order and multipole-induced superconductivity in PrTi2Al20.
Akito Sakai1,2, Yosuke Matsumoto2,3, Mingxuan Fu1,2
1Department of Physics, University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
Nature Communications
|March 3, 2025
Summary
Researchers explored superconductivity (SC) in PrTi2Al20, finding its gap structure deviates from simple models. This exotic SC, linked to quadrupolar order, offers new insights into multipolar phenomena.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Superconductivity
- Quantum Materials
Background:
- Multipolar moments offer novel approaches to superconductivity (SC).
- PrTr2Al20 compounds exhibit quadrupolar and octupolar order without magnetic dipolar moments.
- Kondo entanglement in these materials leads to exotic SC within multipolar phases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the superconducting gap structure of PrTi2Al20.
- To understand the evolution of SC gap structure with La doping.
- To explore the relationship between quadrupolar order and SC pairing.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of the superconducting gap structure.
- Tuning of superconducting properties via La doping.
- Analysis of the interplay between ferroquadrupolar order and SC.
Main Results:
- The SC gap structure deviates from a single s-wave, suggesting nodal d-wave or multiple gaps.
- Superconductivity remains robust against La dilution.
- Minimal La doping induces significant changes in SC gap structure, correlating with ferroquadrupolar order changes.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals an intimate link between quadrupolar order parameters and SC pairing mechanisms.
- Findings provide crucial insights into the coexistence of superconductivity and multipolar order.
- This work advances the understanding of exotic SC phenomena in multipolar materials.
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