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arXiv · 1202.4772

Type I Superconductivity in YbSb2 Single Crystals

Liang L. Zhao·Stefan Lausberg·H. Kim·M. A. Tanatar·Manuel Brando·R. Prozorov·E. Morosan
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Abstract

We present evidence of type I superconductivity in YbSb2 single crystals, from DC and AC magnetization, heat capacity and resistivity measurements. The critical temperature and critical field are determined to be $T_c\approx$ 1.3 K and $H_c\approx$ 55 Oe. A small Ginzburg-Landau parameter \kappa = 0.05, together with typical magnetization isotherms of type I superconductors, small critical field values, a strong Differential Paramagnetic Effect (DPE) signal, and a field-induced change from second to first order phase transition, confirm the type I nature of the superconductivity in YbSb2. A possible second superconducting state is observed in the radiofrequency (RF) susceptibility measurements, with $T_{c}^{(2)}\approx$ 0.41 K and $H_{c}^{(2)}\approx$ 430 Oe.

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Liang L. Zhao, Stefan Lausberg, H. Kim, M. A. Tanatar, Manuel Brando, R. Prozorov, E. Morosan. 2012-02-21. Type I Superconductivity in YbSb2 Single Crystals. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.85.214526

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