Superconductivity in the half-Heusler compound TbPdBi

Abstract

We have studied the half-Heusler compound TbPdBi through resistivity, magnetization, Hall effect and heat capacity measurements. A semimetal behavior is observed in its normal state transport properties, which is characterized by a large negative magnetoresistance below 100 K. Notably, we find the coexistence of superconductivity and antiferromagnetism in this compound. The superconducting transition appears at 1.7 K, while the antiferromagnetic phase transition takes place at 5.5 K. The upper critical field Hc2 shows an unusual linear temperature dependence, implying unconventional superconductivity. Moreover, when the superconductivity is suppressed by magnetic field, its resistivity shows plateau behavior, a signature often seen in topological insulators/semimetals. These findings establish TbPdBi as a platform for study of the interplay between superconductivity, magnetism and non-trivial band topology.

Strain-driven carrier-type switching of surface two-dimensional electron and hole gases in a KTaO3 thin film

“…When a biaxial compressive stress is applied to the KTO layer, there will be a biaxial compressive strain in the plane perpendicular to the [001] axis and a tensile [001] strain determined by zero stress condition for the axis. For convenience, we use the in-plane strain to parameterize the strained system, describing the stress and the [001] strain [28,29], in the following. When the inplane strain is tensile (larger than zero), there are no substantial changes in the energy bands, as shown for ε s =5% in Fig.…”

Anisotropic and extreme magnetoresistance in the magnetic semimetal candidate erbium monobismuthide

“…Ever-increasing interest in the rare-earth based intermetallic compounds is due, in part, to the fact that the hybridization between localized 4 f and conduction electrons can sometimes induce intriguing electronic and magnetic states [1][2][3]. A rich variety of emergent phenomena, including the heavy fermion state, complicated magnetic phases, unconventional superconductivity, valence fluctuation, non-Fermi-liquid behavior, and so on [4][5][6][7][8], have been frequently revealed in these compounds.…”

A theoretical analysis of elastic and optical properties of half Heusler MCoSb (M=Ti, Zr and Hf)

“…Most Heusler compounds with VEC of 19 or 22 are half-metallic ferromagnets which is favorable for spintronic applications [3, 4, 5]. Heusler compounds which are non-magnetic and have a VEC of 27 or 18 are found to be superconductors [1, 6]. Therefore, due to their vast technological applications new Heusler compounds are in continuous demand.…”