Multicomponent superconducting order parameter in UTe <sub>2</sub>
Ian Hayes, Di Wei, Tristin Metz, Jian Zhang, Yun Suk Eo, Sheng Ran, Shanta Saha, John Collini, Nicholas P. Butch, D. F. Agterberg, A. Kapitulnik, Johnpierre Paglione
Abstract
Constraining symmetry Most superconductors have only one transition point, and below a certain temperature, their electrical resistance drops to zero. In very rare cases, another superconducting transition appears at a lower temperature. By measuring its specific heat, Hayes et al . reveal that this two-step superconductivity occurs in the compound uranium ditelluride. Complementary optical measurements indicated the breaking of time reversal symmetry, constraining the possible symmetries of the order parameter in this material. —JS
Topics & Concepts
SuperconductivityCondensed matter physicsPhysicsSymmetry (geometry)Homogeneous spaceTopology (electrical circuits)ParamagnetismMagnetismOrder (exchange)MathematicsGeometryCombinatoricsFinanceEconomicsRare-earth and actinide compoundsAdvanced Condensed Matter PhysicsHigh-pressure geophysics and materials