Anisotropic superconductivity in the quasi-one-dimensional superconductor V₂Ga₅

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Superconductivity

Background:

• V2Ga5 is an intermetallic binary superconductor.
• It possesses a quasi-one-dimensional structure.
• Recent findings suggest a topologically nontrivial normal state, making it a candidate for topological superconductivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the electronic properties of V2Ga5 in its normal and superconducting states.
• Explore the role of anisotropy in its electronic behavior.
• Search for topological signatures and unconventional superconductivity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized high-quality V2Ga5 single crystals.
• Employed dc-magnetization measurements.
• Conducted nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
• Performed muon-spin rotation ([Formula: see text]SR) spectroscopy under varying conditions (temperature, pressure, magnetic field).

Main Results:

• NMR revealed strong anisotropy in line shifts and relaxation rates in the normal state.
• Magnetization and [Formula: see text]SR confirmed persistent anisotropy in the superconducting state.
• Superconductivity was found to be fully-gapped and strongly anisotropic.
• Hydrostatic pressure affected the critical temperature ([Formula: see text]) but not superfluid density.
• Observed a peak splitting in the [Formula: see text]SR spectrum, potentially indicating an unconventional vortex lattice.

Conclusions:

• V2Ga5 is a novel system where anisotropy is crucial to its electronic properties.
• The material displays characteristics of a topological superconductor candidate.
• Further investigation is warranted for the observed unconventional vortex lattice and topological signatures.