Weak Coupling BCS-like Superconductivity in the Pnictide Oxide Ba$_{1-x}$Na$_x$Ti$_2$Sb$_2$O (x=0 and 0.15)

TL;DR

This study investigates sodium-doped BaTi$_2$Sb$_2$O, revealing it exhibits conventional weak-coupling BCS-like superconductivity driven by electron-phonon interactions, supported by heat capacity measurements and theoretical comparisons.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence of weak-coupling BCS superconductivity in Ba$_{1-x}$Na$_x$Ti$_2$Sb$_2$O, aligning with first-principles calculations and advancing understanding of its superconducting mechanism.

Findings

Heat capacity data fit single-gap BCS theory

Weak electron-phonon coupling indicated

Superconductivity consistent with conventional BCS model

Abstract

We report the results of low-temperature heat capacity measurements of the pnictide oxide superconductor BaTi$_2$Sb$_2$O doped with sodium. The temperature and field dependent heat capacity data are well described by a single-gap BCS theory. The estimated values for the normal state Sommerfeld constant, the heat capacity jump at $T_c$, and the electron-phonon coupling constant are in favor of a conventional weak coupling superconductivity mediated by electron-phonon interaction. The results are discussed with regard to and compared with recent first principle calculations.