{Multiband Superconductivity in Lu$_3$Os$_4$Ge$_{13}$

TL;DR

This study investigates the multiband superconducting properties of Lu$_3$Os$_4$Ge$_{13}$, revealing it as a moderately coupled, two-gap superconductor with complex electronic structure and vortex dynamics.

Contribution

First detailed analysis of multiband superconductivity in Lu$_3$Os$_4$Ge$_{13}$ using various experimental techniques and band structure calculations.

Findings

Lu$_3$Os$_4$Ge$_{13}$ is a type-II superconductor with $T_c=3.1$ K.

It exhibits two superconducting gaps indicating multiband behavior.

Thermal fluctuations influence vortex dynamics despite moderate coupling.

Abstract

Intermetallic R$_3$T$_4$X$_{13}$ series consists of cage like structure and have been in focus due to their unconventional electronic ground states. In this work, we report the normal and superconducting state properties of a high quality single crystal of Lu$_3$Os$_4$Ge$_{13}$. Lu$_3$Os$_4$Ge$_{13}$ belongs to the above mentioned series and crystallizes in a cubic crystal structure with the space group $\it{Pm\bar{3}n}$. Using electrical transport, magnetization and heat capacity measurements, we show that Lu$_3$Os$_4$Ge$_{13}$ is a type-II multi-band superconductor ($T{_c} =3.1$~K) with unusual superconducting properties. The analysis of the low temperature heat capacity data suggests that Lu$_3$Os$_4$Ge$_{13}$ is a moderately coupled multi-band BCS superconductor with two gaps ($2\Delta / {k{_B}T{_c}} = 3.68 \pm {0.04} ~\& ~0.34 \pm {0.02}$) in the superconducting state. The dc-magnetization ($M-H$) shows a large reversible region in the superconducting state similar to the vortex liquid phase observed in high-$T{_c}$ superconductors. The value of the Ginzburg number $G_{i}$ suggests that the thermal fluctuations, though small as compared to those in high-$T{_c}$ cuprates, may play an important role in the unpinning of the vortices in this compound. The electronic band structure calculations show that three bands cross the Fermi level and constitute a complex Fermi surface in Lu$_3$Os$_4$Ge$_{13}$