arXiv subjects

Kazuhisa Hoshi

Publications and source records attributed to Kazuhisa Hoshi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Absence of Tc-Pinning Phenomenon Under High Pressure in High-Entropy REO0.5F0.5BiS2 Layered Superconductor

Recently, robustness of superconductivity (transition temperature, Tc) under high pressures has been observed in high-entropy alloy (HEA), bcc-type Ti-Zr-Hf-Nb-Ta, and HEA-type compounds (Ag,In,Sn,Pb,Bi)Te with a NaCl-type structure. Since those materials have three-dimensional crystal structure, investigation on the pressure dependence of Tc of low-dimensional materials is needed to understand the phenomena. Here, we investigated the superconducting properties and the crystal structure of BiS2-based layered system REO0.5F0.5BiS2. Although the robustness of Tc was induced in MTe with increasing M-site configurational entropy, the increase in RE-site configurational entropy does not induce robustness of Tc under high pressures in REO0.5F0.5BiS2. The crystal structure of HEA-type REO0.5F0.5BiS2 was confirmed as monoclinic P21/m, which is the same space group as the zero-entropy counterpart LaO0.5F0.5BiS2. The results suggest that an increase in configurational entropy at blocking layers do not affect crystal structure and superconducting properties under high pressures in the BiS2-based layered system.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2023

Metallurgy, superconductivity, and hardness of a new high-entropy alloy superconductor Ti-Hf-Nb-Ta-Re

We explored quinary body-centered cubic (bcc) high-entropy alloy (HEA) superconductors with valence electron concentrations (VECs) ranging from 4.6 to 5.0, a domain that has received limited attention in prior research. Our search has led to the discovery of new bcc Ti-Hf-Nb-Ta-Re superconducting alloys, which exhibit an interesting phenomenon of phase segregation into two bcc phases with slightly different chemical compositions, as the VEC increases. The enthalpy of the formation of each binary compound explains the phase segregation. All the alloys investigated were categorized as type-II superconductors, with superconducting critical temperatures ($T_\mathrm{c}$) ranging from 3.25 K to 4.38 K. We measured the Vickers microhardness, which positively correlated with the Debye temperature, and compared it with the hardness values of other bcc HEA superconductors. Our results indicate that $T_\mathrm{c}$ systematically decreases with an increase in hardness beyond a threshold of approximately 350 HV. Additionally, we plotted $T_\mathrm{c}$ vs. VEC for representative quinary bcc HEAs. The plot revealed the asymmetric VEC dependence. The correlation between the hardness and $T_\mathrm{c}$, as well as the asymmetric dependence of $T_\mathrm{c}$ on VEC can be attributed to the simultaneous effects of the electronic density of states at the Fermi level and electron-phonon coupling under the uncertainty principle, especially in the higher VEC region.

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arXiv2022

Estimation of Grüneisen Parameter of Layered Superconductor LaO0.5F0.5BiS2-xSex (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0)

The superconducting properties and structural parameters, including the Grüneisen parameter (γG), of the BiCh2-based (Ch: S, Se) layered superconductor LaO0.5F0.5BiS2-xSex were investigated. The superconducting transition temperature (Tc) increased with increasing Se concentration (x), and bulk superconductivity was induced by Se substitution. γG exhibited a larger value when x greater than 0.4, where the superconducting properties were improved. These results suggest that the increase of lattice anharmonicity is preferable for superconductivity in LaO0.5F0.5BiS2-xSex. The discussion includes data for related superconductors REO0.5F0.5BiS2 (RE = Pr, Nd), where a positive correlation between γG and Tc is revealed for Se-poor samples. In addition, specific heat analyses suggest the presence of a low-energy optical phonon mode for LaO0.5F0.5BiS2-xSex.

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arXiv2022

Weak antilocalization induced by Se substitution in layered BiCh$_2$-based (Ch = S, Se) superconductors LaO$_{1-x}$F$_x$BiS$_{2-y}$Se$_y$

We report transport properties for layered BiCh2-based (Ch = S, Se) superconductors LaO1-xFxBiS2-ySey (x = 0.2, 0.5, y = 0-1.05) and the observation of weak antilocalization (WAL). Electrical resistivity and Hall coefficients for the Se-poor samples increase with decreasing temperature. The increase becomes less pronounced with increasing Se concentration indicating a loss of insulating behavior. Interestingly, the moderately Se-substituted samples exhibit metallic behavior in the high-temperature region and a weak increase in the resistivity in the low-temperature regions, which indicates the existence of carrier localization. The heavily Se-substituted compounds show metallic behavior in the entire-temperature region. Sign changes of the Hall coefficients are observed for the x = 0.2 samples, which possibly is related to a charge-density wave (CDW). Magnetoresistance measurements indicate that WAL is realized in the heavily Se-substituted systems. The WAL behavior is weakened by the changes in F and Se concentrations. A crossover state of the WAL and WL emerges around the moderately F-doped and Se-free LaO0.8F0.2BiS2. The change of the resistivity behavior by the F and Se substitution clearly correlates to the difference of the magnetoconductance. Moreover, the localization regions of the WAL-WL crossover and weak WAL states are possibly associated with the CDW. We propose that the BiCh2-based system is a good platform for studying relationship between WAL, superconductivity, and electronic ordering because those states are tunable by element substitutions with bulk single crystals.

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arXiv2022

Superconductivity and hardness of the equiatomic high-entropy alloy HfMoNbTiZr

We have found that body-centered cubic (bcc) HfMoNbTiZr is a type-II BCS high-entropy alloy (HEA) superconductor with a superconducting critical temperature of $T_\mathrm{c}$=4.1 K. By employing a Debye temperature $θ_\mathrm{D}$ of 263 K and $T_\mathrm{c}$, the electron-phonon coupling constant $λ_\mathrm{e-p}$ is calculated to be 0.63. The electronic structure calculation revealed band broadening with energy uncertainties due to atomic disorders. The superconducting properties are compared among equiatomic quinary bcc HEA superconductors. $T_\mathrm{c}$ decreases with decreasing $λ_\mathrm{e-p}$, which is negatively correlated with $θ_{D}$. The negative correlation between $λ_\mathrm{e-p}$ and $θ_{D}$ would be caused by a shorter phonon lifetime at a higher $θ_{D}$, which is based on phonon broadening due to atomic disorder and the uncertainty principle. The Vickers microhardness was measured for several bcc HEA superconductors. $T_\mathrm{c}$ is exceptionally low in a superconductor with relatively high hardness, because the hardness generally increases with increasing $θ_\mathrm{D}$, and $θ_\mathrm{D}$ is negatively correlated with $T_\mathrm{c}$ in the high-entropy state.

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arXiv2022

Lattice Anharmonicity in BiS2-Based Layered Superconductor RE(O,F)BiS2 (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd)

We studied Grüneisen parameter (γG) to investigate lattice anharmonicity in a layered BiS2-based superconductor system REO1-xFxBiS2 (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd), where in-plane chemical pressure was tuned by substituting the RE elements. With increasing in-plane chemical pressure, bulk modulus remarkably increases, and a high γG is observed for RE = Nd. The dependence of γG on in-plane chemical pressure exhibits a good correlation with Tc, and a higher Tc is achieved when γG is large for RE = Nd. In addition, γG shows a slight decrease by a decrease of F concentration (x) in REO1-xFxBiS2. Our results show that the anharmonic vibration of Bi along the c-axis is present in REO1-xFxBiS2, and the enhancement of the anharmonicity is positively linked to superconducting Tc and pairing mechanisms.

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arXiv2022

The upper critical field in the BiCh2-based superconductors CeOBiS1.7Se0.3 and PrO0.5F0.5BiS2-xSex (x = 0, 0.3)

We report the upper critical field (Bc2) in the BiCh2-based superconductors CeOBiS1.7Se0.3 and PrO0.5F0.5BiS2-xSex (x = 0, 0.3). Single crystals of CeOBiS1.7Se0.3 and PrO0.5F0.5BiS2-xSex (x = 0, 0.3) were grown using the flux method. Single-crystal structural analysis revealed that the crystal structure at room temperature is tetragonal (P4/nmm). Through electrical resistivity and magnetization measurements, bulk superconductivity was observed in all samples. For CeOBiS1.7Se0.3, the in-plane Bc2 is smaller than the conventional orbital limit and Pauli limit, suggesting that ferromagnetic ordering, which has been observed in a related Ce-containing BiCh2-based compound, affects Bc2 and superconductivity. In contrast, high in-plane Bc2 was observed for PrO0.5F0.5BiS2-xSex (x = 0, 0.3). We propose that the in-plane Bc2 is enhanced by antisymmetric spin-orbit coupling, which arises from the lack of local inversion symmetry.

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arXiv2022

Extremely high upper critical field in BiCh$_2$-based (Ch: S and Se) layered superconductor LaO$_{0.5}$F$_{0.5}$BiS$_{2-x}$Se$_x$ ($x$ = 0.22 and 0.69)

Centrosymmetric compounds with local inversion symmetry breaking have tremendously interesting and intriguing physical properties. In this study, we focus on a BiCh$_2$-based (Ch: S, Se) layered superconductor, as a system with local inversion asymmetry, because spin polarisation based on the Rashba-Dresselhaus-type spin-orbit coupling has been observed in centrosymmetric BiCh$_2$-based LaOBiS$_2$ systems, while the BiCh$_2$ layer lacks local inversion symmetry. Herein, we report the existence of extremely high in-plane upper critical fields in the BiCh$_2$-based system LaO$_{0.5}$F$_{0.5}$BiS$_{2-x}$Se$_x$ ($x$ = 0.22 and 0.69). The superconducting states are not completely suppressed by the applied magnetic fields with strengths up to 55 T. Thus, we consider that the in-plane upper critical field is enhanced by the local inversion symmetry breaking and its layered structure. Our study will open a new pathway for the discovery of superconductors that exhibit a high upper critical field by focusing on the local inversion symmetry breaking.

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arXiv2021

Superconductivity in In-doped AgSnBiTe3 with possible band inversion

We investigated the chemical pressure effects on structural and electronic properties of SnTe-based material using partial substitution of Sn by Ag0.5Bi0.5, which results in lattice shrinkage. For Sn1-2x(AgBi)xTe, single-phase polycrystalline samples were obtained with a wide range of x. On the basis of band calculations, we confirmed that the Sn1-2x(AgBi)xTe system is basically possessing band inversion and topologically preserved electronic states. To explore new superconducting phases related to the topological electronic states, we investigated the In-doping effects on structural and superconducting properties for x = 0.33 (AgSnBiTe3). For (AgSnBi)(1-y)/3InyTe, single-phase polycrystalline samples were obtained for y = 0-0.5 by high-pressure synthesis. Superconductivity was observed for y = 0.2-0.5. For y = 0.4, the transition temperature estimated from zero-resistivity state was 2.4 K, and the specific heat investigation confirmed the emergence of bulk superconductivity. Because the presence of band inversion was theoretically predicted, and the parameters obtained from specific heat analyses were comparable to In-doped SnTe, we expect that the (AgSnBi)(1-y)/3InyTe and other (Ag,In,Sn,Bi)Te phases are candidate systems for studying topological superconductivity.

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arXiv2020

Possible pairing mechanism switching driven by structural symmetry breaking in BiS2-based layered superconductors

Investigation of isotope effects on superconducting transition temperature (Tc) is one of the useful methods to examine whether electron-phonon interaction is essential for pairing mechanisms. The layered BiCh2-based (Ch: S, Se) superconductor family is a candidate for unconventional superconductors, because unconventional isotope effects have previously been observed in La(O,F)BiSSe and Bi4O4S3. In this study, we investigated the isotope effects of 32S and 34S in the high-pressure phase of (Sr,La)FBiS2, which has a monoclinic crystal structure and a higher Tc of 10 K under high pressures, and observed conventional-type isotope shifts in Tc. The conventional-type isotope effects in the monoclinic phase of (Sr,La)FBiS2 are different from the unconventional isotope effects observed in La(O,F)BiSSe and Bi4O4S3, which have a tetragonal structure. The obtained results suggest that the pairing mechanisms of BiCh2-based superconductors could be switched by a structural-symmetry change in the superconducting layers induced by pressure effects.

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arXiv2020

Investigation of superconducting properties and possible nematic superconductivity in self-doped BiCh2-based superconductor CeOBiS1.7Se0.3

We investigate the superconducting properties and possible nematic superconductivity of self-doped BiCh2-based (Ch: S, Se) superconductor CeOBiS1.7Se0.3 through the measurements of in-plane anisotropy of magnetoresistance. Single crystals of CeOBiS1.7Se0.3 were grown using a flux method. Single-crystal structural analysis revealed that the crystal structure at room temperature is tetragonal (P4/nmm). Bulk superconductivity with a transition temperature of 3.3 K was observed through electrical resistivity and magnetization measurements. Investigation of anisotropy of upper critical field suggested relatively low anisotropy in the crystal as compared to other BiCh2-based superconductors. In the superconducting states of CeOBiS1.7Se0.3, two-fold symmetric in-plane anisotropy of magnetoresistance was observed, which indicates the in-plane rotational symmetry breaking in the tetragonal structure and hence the possibility of nematic superconductivity in CeOBiS1.7Se0.3.

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arXiv2020

Structural phase diagram of LaO1-xFxBiSSe: suppression of the structural phase transition by partial F substitutions

We have investigated low-temperature crystal structure of BiCh2-based compounds LaO1-xFxBiSSe (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.5), in which anomalous two-fold-symmetric in-plane anisotropy of superconducting states has been observed for x = 0.5. From synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments, a structural transition from tetragonal to monoclinic was observed for x = 0 and 0.01 at 340 and 240 K, respectively. For x = 0.03, a structural transition and broadening of the diffraction peak were not observed down to 100 K. These facts suggest that the structural transition could be suppressed by 3% F substitution in LaO1-xFxBiSSe. Furthermore, the crystal structure for x = 0.5 at 4 K was examined by low-temperature (laboratory) X-ray diffraction, which confirmed that the tetragonal structure is maintained at 4 K for x = 0.5. Our results suggest that the two-fold-symmetric in-plane anisotropy of superconducting states observed for LaO0.5F0.5BiSSe was not originated from structural symmetry lowering.

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arXiv2020

Investigation of in-plane anisotropy of c-axis magnetoresistance for BiCh2-based layered superconductor NdO0.7F0.3BiS2

We have investigated the in-plane anisotropy of the c-axis magnetoresistance (MR) in both superconducting and normal states of single crystals of NdO0.7F0.3BiS2 under in-plane magnetic fields. In the superconducting states of NdO0.7F0.3BiS2, four-fold-symmetric in-plane anisotropy of the c-axis MR was observed below the superconducting transition temperature. Since the crystal structure of NdO0.7F0.3BiS2 is tetragonal, the rotational symmetry in the superconducting state is preserved in the present compound. This result is clearly different from the previous report observed in LaO0.5F0.5BiSSe single crystals, where the in-plane MR in the superconducting state shows two-fold symmetry. On the other hand, in the normal states of NdO0.7F0.3BiS2, two-fold symmetric MR with a small amplitude was observed. The possible origin of the two-fold-symmetric behavior was discussed with the presence of local structural disorder in the conducting plane of BiCh2-based compounds.

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arXiv2020

Two-fold symmetry of in-plane magnetoresistance anisotropy in the superconducting states of BiCh2-based LaO0.9F0.1BiSSe single crystal

Recently, two-fold symmetric in-plane anisotropy of the superconducting properties have been observed in a single crystal of BiCh2-based (Ch: S, Se) layered superconductor LaO0.5F0.5BiSSe having a tetragonal (four-fold-symmetric) in-plane structure; the phenomena are very similar to those observed in nematic superconductors. To explore the origin of the two-fold symmetric anisotropy in the BiCh2-based system, we have investigated the electron-doping dependence on the anisotropy by examining the in-plane anisotropy of the magnetoresistance in the superconducting states for a single crystal of LaO0.9F0.1BiSSe under high magnetic fields up to 15 T. We observed a two-fold symmetry of in-plane anisotropy of magnetoresistance for LaO0.9F0.1BiSSe. The results obtained for LaO0.9F0.1BiSSe are quite similar to those observed for LaO0.5F0.5BiSSe, which has a higher electron doping concentration than LaO0.9F0.1BiSSe. Our present finding suggests that the emergence of the in-plane symmetry breaking in the superconducting state is robust to the carrier concentration in the series of LaO1-xFxBiSSe.

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arXiv2020

Bulk superconductivity induced by Se substitution in self-doped BiCh2-based compound CeOBiS2-xSex

We report the Se substitution effects on the crystal structure, superconducting properties, and valence states of self-doped BiCh2-based compound CeOBiS2-xSex. Polycrystalline CeOBiS2-xSex samples with x = 0-1.0 were synthesized. For x = 0.4 and 0.6, bulk superconducting transitions with a large shielding volume fraction were observed in magnetic susceptibility measurements; the highest transition temperature (Tc) was 3.0 K for x = 0.6. A superconductivity phase diagram of CeOBiS2-xSex was established based on Tc estimated from the electrical resistivity and magnetization measurements. The emergence of superconductivity in CeOBiS2-xSex was explained with two essential parameters of in-plane chemical pressure and carrier concentration, which systematically changed with increasing Se concentration.

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arXiv2020

Superconducting properties of high-entropy-alloy tellurides M-Te (M: Ag, In, Cd, Sn, Sb, Pb, Bi) with a NaCl-type structure

High-entropy-alloy-type tellurides M-Te, which contain five different metals of M = Ag, In, Cd, Sn, Sb, Pb, and Bi, were synthesized using high pressure synthesis. Structural characterization revealed that all the obtained samples have a cubic NaCl-type structure. Six samples, namely AgCdSnSbPbTe5, AgInSnSbPbTe5, AgCdInSnSbTe5, AgCdSnPbBiTe5, AgCdInPbBiTe5, and AgCdInSnBiTe5 showed superconductivity. The highest transition temperature (Tc) among those samples was 1.4 K for AgInSnSbPbTe5. A sample of AgCdInSbPbTe5 showed a semiconductor-like transport behavior. From the relationship between Tc and lattice constant, it was found that a higher Tc is observed for a telluride with a larger lattice constant.

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arXiv2019

High-pressure synthesis and superconducting properties of NaCl-type In1-xPbxTe (x = 0-0.8)

We have investigated the Pb-substitution effect on the superconductivity of NaCl-type In1-xPbxTe samples obtained using high-pressure synthesis. Polycrystalline samples with x = 0-0.8 were obtained, and the lattice parameter systematically increased by Pb substitution. The superconducting transition temperature (Tc ~3 K for x = 0) increased to 5.3 K (for x = 0.4) by Pb substitutions. According to the comparison of the electronic states between NaCl-type InTe and PbTe, we consider that the Pb substitution increases electron carriers. Possible mechanisms of the enhancement of Tc in this system have been discussed on the basis of conventional pairing mechanism and the possibility of the relation to the valence-skipping state of In.

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arXiv2019

Two-Fold-Symmetric Magnetoresistance in Single Crystals of Tetragonal BiCh2-Based Superconductor LaO0.5F0.5BiSSe

We have investigated the in-plane anisotropy of the c-axis magnetoresistance for single crystals of a BiCh2-based superconductor LaO0.5F0.5BiSSe under in-plane magnetic fields. We observed two-fold symmetry in the c-axis magnetoresistance in the ab-plane of LaO0.5F0.5BiSSe while the crystal possessed a tetragonal square plane with four-fold symmetry. The observed symmetry lowering in magnetoresistance from the structural symmetry may be related to the nematic states, which have been observed in the superconducting states of several unconventional superconductors.

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