Comment on ``Muon-spin rotation studies of the superconducting properties of Mo_3Sb_7'', Phys.Rev.B 78, 172505 (2008)

TL;DR

This paper critiques a previous muon-spin rotation study claiming two gaps in Mo_3Sb_7, arguing that the data actually supports a single-gap superconducting model based on analysis inconsistencies.

Contribution

It challenges prior claims of two-gap superconductivity in Mo_3Sb_7 by reanalyzing muSR and specific heat data, supporting a single-gap interpretation.

Findings

Previous muSR analysis is insufficient to confirm two gaps.

Specific heat data aligns with a single-gap model.

Both muSR and heat capacity data are consistent with one-gap superconductivity.

Abstract

In a recent article Tran et al. [Phys. Rev.B 78, 172505 (2008)] report on the result of the muon-spin rotation (\muSR) measurements of Mo_3Sb_7 superconductor. Based on the analysis of the temperature and the magnetic field dependence of the Gaussian relaxation rate \sigma_{sc} they suggest that Mo_3Sb_7 is the superconductor with two isotropic s-wave like gaps. An additional confirmation was obtained from the specific heat data published earlier by partly the same group of authors in [Acta Mater. 56, 5694 (2008)]. The purpose of this Comment is to point out that from the analysis made by Tran et al. the presence of two superconducting energy gaps in Mo_3Sb_7 can not be justified. The analysis of \muSR data does not account for the reduction of \sigma_{sc} with increasing temperature, and, hence, yields inaccurate information on the magnetic penetration depth. The specific heat data can be satisfactory described within the framework of the one-gap model with the small residual specific heat component. The experimental data of Tran et al., as well as our earlier published \muSR data [Phys. Rev. B 78, 014502 (2008)] all seem to be consistent with is the presence of single isotropic superconducting energy gap in Mo_3Sb_7.