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

TL;DR

This study uses in-plane torque measurements on CeCoIn$_5$ single crystals to identify a $d_{xy}$ wave symmetry of the superconducting order parameter, supported by observed four-fold symmetry and sharp peaks in torque data.

Contribution

The paper provides experimental evidence for $d_{xy}$ pairing symmetry in CeCoIn$_5$ through torque measurements, distinguishing it from normal state symmetry effects.

Findings

Reversible mixed-state torque shows four-fold symmetry.

Sharp peaks in irreversible torque indicate $d_{xy}$ symmetry.

Field and temperature dependence support $d_{xy}$ wave pairing.

Abstract

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 $\tau_n \propto H^4(1+T/T_K)^{-1}\sin 4\phi$. 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 $\pi/$4, 3$\pi$/4, 5$\pi$/4, 7$\pi$/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.