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T. A. Sayles

Publications and source records attributed to T. A. Sayles.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Strong magnetic fluctuations in superconducting state of CeCoIn$_5$

We show results on the vortex core dissipation through current-voltage measurements under applied pressure and magnetic field in the superconducting phase of CeCoIn$_5$. We find that as soon as the system becomes superconducting, the vortex core resistivity increases sharply as the temperature and magnetic field decrease. The sharp increase in flux flow resistivity is due to quasiparticle scattering on critical antiferromagnetic fluctuations. The strength of magnetic fluctuations below the superconducting transition suggests that magnetism is complimentary to superconductivity and therefore must be considered in order to fully account for the low-temperature properties of CeCoIn$_5$.

cond-mat.supr-con

High-pressure, transport, and thermodynamic properties of CeTe3

We have performed high-pressure, electrical resistivity, and specific heat measurements on CeTe3 single crystals. Two magnetic phases with nonparallel magnetic easy axes were detected in electrical resistivity and specific heat at low temperatures. We also observed the emergence of an additional phase at high pressures and low temperatures and a possible structural phase transition detected at room temperature and at 45 kbar, which can possibly be related with the lowering of the charge-density wave transition temperature known for this compound.

cond-mat.str-el

The filled skutterudite CeOs$_{4}$As$_{12}$: a hybridization gap semiconductor

X-ray diffraction, electrical resistivity, magnetization, specific heat, and thermoelectric power measurements are presented for single crystals of the new filled skutterudite compound {\CeOsAs}, which reveal phenomena that are associated with f - electron - conduction electron hybridization. Valence fluctuations or Kondo behavior dominates the physics down to $T$ $\sim$ 135 K. The correlated electron behavior is manifested at low temperatures as a hybridization gap insulating state. The small energy gap $Δ$$_1$/k$_B$ $\sim$ 73 K, taken from fits to electrical resistivity data, correlates with the evolution of a weakly magnetic or nonmagnetic ground state, which is evident in the magnetization data below a coherence temperature $T$$_{coh}$ $\sim$ 45 K. Additionally, the low temperature electronic specific heat coefficient is small, $γ$ $\sim$ 19 mJ/mol K$^2$. Some results for the nonmagnetic analogue compound {\LaOsAs} are also presented for comparison purposes.

cond-mat.str-el

Vortex avalanches in the non-centrosymmetric superconductor Li2Pt3B

We investigated the vortex dynamics in the non-centrosymmetric superconductor Li_2Pt_3B in the temperature range 0.1 K - 2.8 K. Two different logarithmic creep regimes in the decay of the remanent magnetization from the Bean critical state have been observed. In the first regime, the creep rate is extraordinarily small, indicating the existence of a new, very effective pinning mechanism. At a certain time a vortex avalanche occurs that increases the logarithmic creep rate by a factor of about 5 to 10 depending on the temperature. This may indicate that certain barriers against flux motion are present and they can be opened under increased pressure exerted by the vortices. A possible mechanism based on the barrier effect of twin boundaries is briefly discussed.

cond-mat.supr-con

Fermi Surface Reconstruction in CeRh$_{1-x}$Co$_{x}$In$_{5}$

The evolution of the Fermi surface of CeRh$_{1-x}$Co$_x$In$_5$ was studied as a function of Co concentration $x$ via measurements of the de Haas-van Alphen effect. By measuring the angular dependence of quantum oscillation frequencies, we identify a Fermi surface sheet with $f$-electron character which undergoes an abrupt change in topology as $x$ is varied. Surprisingly, this reconstruction does not occur at the quantum critical concentration $x_c$, where antiferromagnetism is suppressed to T=0. Instead we establish that this sudden change occurs well below $x_c$, at the concentration x ~ 0.4 where long range magnetic order alters its character and superconductivity appears. Across all concentrations, the cyclotron effective mass of this sheet does not diverge, suggesting that critical behavior is not exhibited equally on all parts of the Fermi surface.

cond-mat.str-el

Superconductivity in single crystals of LaFePO

Single crystals of the compound LaFePO were prepared using a flux growth technique at high temperatures. Electrical resistivity measurements reveal metallic behavior and a resistive transition to the superconducting state at a critical temperature T_c ~ 6.6 K. Magnetization measurements also show the onset of superconductivity near 6 K. In contrast, specific heat measurements manifest no discontinuity at T_c. These results lend support to the conclusion that the superconductivity is associated with oxygen vacancies that alter the carrier concentration in a small fraction of the sample, although superconductivity characterized by an unusually small gap value can not be ruled-out. Under applied magnetic fields, T_c is suppressed anisotropically for fields perpendicular and parallel to the ab-plane, suggesting that the crystalline anisotropy strongly influences the superconducting state. Preliminary high-pressure measurements show that T_c passes through a maximum of nearly 14 K at ~ 110 kbar, demonstrating that significantly higher T_c values may be achieved in the phosphorus-based oxypnictides.

cond-mat.supr-con

Incoherent non-Fermi liquid scattering in a Kondo lattice

One of the most notorious non-Fermi liquid properties of both archetypal heavy-fermion systems [1-4] and the high-Tc copper oxide superconductors [5] is an electrical resistivity that evolves linearly with temperature, T. In the heavy-fermion superconductor CeCoIn5 [5], this linear behaviour was one of the first indications of the presence of a zero-temperature instability, or quantum critical point. Here, we report the observation of a unique control parameter of T-linear scattering in CeCoIn5, found through systematic chemical substitutions of both magnetic and non-magnetic rare-earth, R, ions into the Ce sub-lattice. We find that the evolution of inelastic scattering in Ce1-xRxCoIn5 is strongly dependent on the f-electron configuration of the R ion, whereas two other key properties -- Cooper-pair breaking and Kondo-lattice coherence -- are not. Thus, T-linear resistivity in CeCoIn5 is intimately related to the nature of incoherent scattering centers in the Kondo lattice, which provides insight into the anomalous scattering rate synonymous with quantum criticality [7].

cond-mat.str-el

Anomalous Paramagnetic Magnetization in Mixed State of CeCoIn$_5$ single crystals

Magnetization and torque measurements were performed on CeCoIn$_5$ single crystals to study the mixed-state thermodynamics. These measurements allow the determination of both paramagnetic and vortex responses in the mixed-state magnetization. The paramagnetic magnetization is suppressed in the mixed state with the spin susceptibility increasing with increasing magnetic field. The dependence of spin susceptibility on magnetic field is due to the fact that heavy electrons contribute both to superconductivity and paramagnetism and a large Zeeman effect exists in this system. No anomaly in the vortex response was found within the investigated temperature and field range.

cond-mat.str-el

Pairing Symmetry of CeCoIn$_5$ Detected by In-plane Torque Measurements

In-plane torque measurements were performed on heavy fermion CeCoIn$_5$ single crystals in the temperature $T$ range 1.8 K $\leq T \leq 10$ K and applied magnetic field $H$ up to 14 T. The normal-state torque is given by $τ_n \propto H^4(1+T/T_K)^{-1}\sin 4ϕ$. The reversible part of the mixed-state torque, obtained after subtracting the corresponding normal state torque, shows also a four-fold symmetry. In addition, sharp peaks are present in the irreversible torque at angles of $π/$4, 3$π$/4, 5$π$/4, 7$π$/4, etc. Both the four-fold symmetry in the reversible torque and the sharp peaks in the irreversible torque of the mixed state imply $d_{xy}$ symmetry of the superconducting order parameter. The field and temperature dependences of the reversible mixed-state torque provide further evidence for $d_{xy}$ wave symmetry. The four-fold symmetry in the normal state has a different origin since it has different field and temperature dependences than the one in the mixed state. The possible reasons of the normal state four-fold symmetry are discussed.

cond-mat.str-el

Nonlinear paramagnetic magnetization in the mixed state of CeCoIn_5

Torque and magnetization measurements in magnetic fields $H$ up to 14 T were performed on CeCoIn$_5$ single crystals. The amplitude of the paramagnetic torque shows an $H^{2.3}$ dependence in the mixed state and an $H^{2}$ dependence in the normal state. In addition, the mixed-state magnetizations for both $H\parallel c$ and $H\parallel ab$ axes show anomalous behavior after the subtraction of the corresponding paramagnetic contributions as linear extrapolations of the normal-state magnetization. These experimental results point towards a nonlinear paramagnetic magnetization in the mixed state of CeCoIn$_5$, which is a result of the fact that both orbital and Pauli limiting effects dominate in the mixed state.

cond-mat.str-el

Non-Fermi liquid behavior in a fluctuating valence system, the filled skutterudite compound CeRu_{4}As_{12}

Electrical resistivity $ρ$, specific heat C, and magnetic susceptibility $χ$ measurements made on the filled skutterudite CeRu_4As_{12} reveal non-Fermi liquid (NFL) T - dependences at low T, i.e., $ρ$(T) $\sim$ T^{1.4} and weak power law or logarithmic divergences in C(T)/T and $χ$(T). Measurements also show that the T - dependence of the thermoelectric power S(T) deviates from that seen in other Ce systems. The NFL behavior appears to be associated with fluctuations of the Ce valence between 3^+ and 4^+ rather than a typical Kondo lattice scenario that would be appropriate for an integral Ce valence of 3^+.

cond-mat.str-el

Muon spin relaxation and hyperfine-enhanced 141Pr nuclear spin dynamic in Pr(Os,Ru)4Sb12 and (Pr,La)Os4Sb12

Zero- and longitudinal-field muon spin relaxation (MuSR) experiments have been carried out in the alloy series Pr(Os1-xRux)4Sb12 and Pr1-yLayOs4Sb12 to elucidate the anomalous dynamic muon spin relaxation observed in these materials. The damping rate associated with this relaxation varies with temperature, applied magnetic field, and dopant concentrations x and y in a manner consistent with the ``hyperfine enhancement'' of 141Pr nuclear spins first discussed by Bleaney in 1973. This mechanism arises from Van Vleck-like admixture of magnetic Pr3+ crystalline-electric-field-split excited states into the nonmagnetic singlet ground state by the nuclear hyperfine coupling, thereby increasing the strengths of spin-spin interactions between 141Pr and muon spins and within the 141Pr spin system. We find qualitative agreement with this scenario, and conclude that electronic spin fluctuations are not directly involved in the dynamic muon spin relaxation.

cond-mat.str-el

Scaling Behavior of Angular Dependent Resistivity in CeCoIn$_5$: Possible Evidence for d-Wave Density Waves

In-plane angular dependent resistivity ADR was measured in the non-Fermi liquid regime of CeCoIn$_5$ single crystals at temperatures $T \le 20$ K and in magnetic fields $H$ up to 14 T. Two scaling behaviors were identified in low field region where resistivity shows T-linear dependence, separated by a critical angle $θ_{c}$ which is determined by the anisotropy of CeCoIn$_5$; i.e., ADR depends only on the perpendicular (parallel) field component below (above) $θ_c$. These scaling behaviors and other salient features of ADR are consistent with d-wave density waves.

cond-mat.str-el

Angular Dependent Torque Measurements on CeCoIn$_5$ Single Crystals

Angular dependent torque measurements were performed on single crystals of CeCoIn$_5$, a heavy fermion superconductor ($T_{c0}$ = 2.3 K), in the temperature, $T$, range 1.9 K $\leq T \leq $ 20 K and magnetic fields $H$ up to 14 T. A large paramagnetic effect is found in the normal state. Torque measurements in the mixed state were also performed. The torque curves show sharp hysteresis peaks at $θ= 90^{o}$ ($θ$ is the angle between $H$ and the $c-$axis of the crystal), a result of intrinsic pinning of vortices. The anisotropy $γ\equiv \sqrt{m_{c}/m_{a}}$ in the mixed state was determined from the reversible part of the vortex contribution to the torque signal using Kogan's model [Phys. Rev. B \textbf{38}, 7049 (1988)]. The anisotropy $γ$ decreases with increasing magnetic field and temperature. The fact that $γ$ is not a constant points towards a multiband scenario in this heavy fermion material.

cond-mat.str-el

Multiple ordered phases in the filled skutterudite compound PrOs$_{4}$As$_{12}$

Magnetization, specific heat, and electrical resistivity measurements were made on single crystals of the filled skutterudite compound PrOs$_{4}$As$_{12}$. Specific heat measurements indicate an electronic specific heat coefficient $γ$ $\sim 50-200$ mJ/mol K$^{2}$ at temperatures 10 K $\leq T \leq 18$ K, and $\sim 1$ J/mol K$^{2}$ for $T \leq 1.6$ K. Magnetization, specific heat, and electrical resistivity measurements reveal the presence of two, or possibly three, ordered phases at temperatures below $\sim 2.3$ K and in fields below $\sim 3$ T. The low temperature phase displays antiferromagnetic characteristics, while the nature of the ordering in the other phase(s) has yet to be determined.

cond-mat.str-el

Double superconducting transition and low-temperature specific heat study of Pr(Os$_{1-x}$Ru$_x$)$_4$Sb$_{12}$

The double superconducting transition in PrOs$_4$Sb$_{12}$, first observed in specific heat $C(T)$ measurements of single crystal samples, is the subject of an in-depth study. The double superconducting transitions of a batch of single crystals were measured before and after they were annealed for 5 days at $500^{\circ}$C, with no observed change. $C(T)$ measurements near $T_c$ for PrOs$_4$Sb$_{12}$ in several magnetic fields are also presented, detailing the evolution of the double transition up to 1 T. Samples of Pr(Os$_{1-x}$Ru$_x$)$_4$Sb$_{12}$ with $0.01 \leq x \leq 0.04$ also appear to display a double superconducting transition in specific heat. In addition, samples with the smallest Ru concentration measured ($x=0.01$) may even display a different type of superconductivity than pure PrOs$_4$Sb$_{12}$ ($x=0$).

cond-mat.supr-con

Optical study of interactions in a d-electron Kondo lattice with ferromagnetism

We report on a comprehensive optical, transport and thermodynamic study of the Zintl compound Yb$_{14}$MnSb$_{11}$, demonstrating that it is the first ferromagnetic Kondo lattice compound in the underscreened limit. We propose a scenerio whereby the combination of Kondo and Jahn-Teller effects provides a consistent explanation of both transport and optical data.

cond-mat.str-el