Charge Density Wave and Superconducting Properties in Single Crystals of Lu5Ir4Si10

TL;DR

This study investigates the charge density wave and superconducting properties of Lu5Ir4Si10 single crystals, revealing a first-order CDW transition, its suppression by tantalum, and superconductivity characteristics close to BCS theory.

Contribution

It provides new insights into how tantalum inclusion affects CDW suppression and enhances superconductivity in Lu5Ir4Si10.

Findings

Thermal hysteresis indicates first-order CDW transition.

Tantalum destroys CDW and raises superconducting T_c.

Superconductivity exhibits weak coupling BCS behavior.

Abstract

We measured the electrical resistivity from 2K up to 900K on high quality single crystals of Lu5Ir4Si10. A clear thermal hysteresis was found at the onset of the Charge Density Wave (CDW), evidencing the first order nature of the transition. When tantalum is included in the compound, the CDW is destroyed and the superconducting critical temperature is enhanced. Finally, we present specific heat and magnetic penetration depth in the Meissner state. We show that the superconducting properties are very close to a weak coupling BCS superconductor.