Superconductivity in W₃Re₂C with Chiral Structure

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Solid State Chemistry

Background:

• Superconductivity is a quantum mechanical phenomenon observed in certain materials below a critical temperature.
• Chiral structures in materials can lead to unique electronic and magnetic properties.
• Understanding the interplay between crystal structure, electron interactions, and superconductivity is crucial for discovering new superconducting materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discover and characterize superconductivity in novel materials with chiral structures.
• To investigate the fundamental mechanisms driving superconductivity in W3Re2C.
• To explore the relationship between crystal chirality, electronic band topology, and superconductivity.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of cubic W3Re2C.
• Measurement of superconducting transition temperature (Tc).
• Experimental analysis (e.g., specific heat, resistivity) to determine superconducting properties.
• First-principles calculations (density functional theory) to investigate electronic structure and electron-phonon coupling.

Main Results:

• Superconductivity discovered in cubic W3Re2C with a Tc of approximately 6.2 K.
• W3Re2C identified as a bulk type-II BCS superconductor with an isotropic superconducting gap.
• First-principles calculations reveal electron-phonon coupling mediated by W/Re 5d states and low-frequency phonons.
• Breaking of inversion symmetry in W3Re2C leads to the emergence of Weyl points in its electronic structure.

Conclusions:

• Cubic W3Re2C exhibits bulk type-II BCS superconductivity, influenced by its chiral structure.
• The material's electronic structure features Weyl points due to broken inversion symmetry.
• W3Re2C serves as a promising platform for exploring the impact of chirality on superconductivity and topological electronic properties.