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Pressure-Induced 18 K Superconductivity and Two Superconducting Phases in CuIr_{2}S_{4}
Bijuan Chen1, Yuhao Gu2, Dong Wang1
1Center for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research, Beijing 100193, China.
Physical Review Letters
|March 20, 2026
Summary
Superconductivity was induced in CuIr_{2}S_{4} under pressure, reaching a record 18.2 K. Two new superconducting phases emerged from a charge-ordered insulating state, linked to structural changes.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Superconductivity
Background:
- Superconductivity in spinel materials is of significant interest.
- Previous records for transition temperatures in this class were limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pressure-induced superconductivity in the spinel CuIr_{2}S_{4}.
- To explore the relationship between structural transitions and superconductivity.
Main Methods:
- Electrical transport measurements under high pressure.
- Synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies up to 224 GPa.
Main Results:
- Superconductivity observed in CuIr_{2}S_{4} with a transition temperature (T_{c}) up to 18.2 K.
- Two distinct superconducting phases (SC-I and SC-II) emerged from a charge-ordered insulating state.
- SC-I appeared around 18 GPa, SC-II emerged above 111.8 GPa, developing zero resistance above 122.2 GPa.
- Superconducting phases are linked to structural transitions in the Ir-based pyrochlore lattice.
Conclusions:
- Achieved a new record T_{c} for spinel superconductors.
- Demonstrated a pathway to high-T_{c} superconductivity from a correlated insulating state via lattice tuning.
- Expanded the potential for superconductivity in spinel materials.
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