Superconducting phase transition in YNiGe3, a non-f-electron reference to the unconventional superconductor CeNiGe3

TL;DR

This study reports the discovery of superconductivity in YNiGe3 at 0.46 K, a non-magnetic analog to CeNiGe3, providing insights into superconductivity mechanisms without f-electron involvement.

Contribution

It demonstrates superconductivity in YNiGe3 at ambient pressure, highlighting its role as a non-f-electron reference for unconventional superconductors.

Findings

Superconductivity observed below 0.46 K in YNiGe3.

Superconductivity is suppressed by magnetic fields around 500 Oe.

YNiGe3 is a non-magnetic, isostructural counterpart to CeNiGe3.

Abstract

A polycrystalline sample of YNiGe3, being a non-magnetic isostructural counterpart to the unconventional pressure-induced superconductor CeNiGe3, was studied by means of specific heat and electrical resistivity measurements at temperatures down to 360 mK and in magnetic fields up to 500 Oe. The compound was found to exhibit an ambient-pressure superconductivity below Tc = 0.46 K. The superconducting state in YNiGe3 is destroyed by magnetic field of the order of 500 Oe.