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arXiv · 2106.02698

Non-symmorphic symmetry and field-driven odd-parity pairing in CeRh$_2$As$_2$

Abstract

Recently, evidence has emerged for a field-induced even- to odd-parity superconducting phase transition in CeRh$_2$As$_2$ [S. Khim et al., Science 373 1012 (2021)]. Here we argue that the P4/nmm non-symmorphic crystal structure of CeRh$_2$As$_2$ plays a key role in enabling this transition by ensuring large spin-orbit interactions near the Brillouin zone boundaries, which naturally leads to the required near-degeneracy of the even- and odd-parity channels. We further comment on the relevance of our theory to FeSe, which crystallizes in the same structure.

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D. C. Cavanagh, T. Shishidou, M. Weinert, P. M. R. Brydon, D. F. Agterberg. 2021-06-04. Non-symmorphic symmetry and field-driven odd-parity pairing in CeRh$_2$As$_2$. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.105.l020505

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