Superconductivity in Y$_3$Ru$_4$Ge$_{13}$ and Lu$_3$Os$_4$Ge$_{13}$: A comparative study

TL;DR

This study investigates the superconducting properties of low carrier density compounds Y3Ru4Ge13 and Lu3Os4Ge13, revealing their superconducting transition temperatures and structural characteristics through experimental techniques.

Contribution

It provides a comparative experimental analysis of superconductivity in low carrier density systems Y3Ru4Ge13 and Lu3Os4Ge13, including crystal growth and property measurements.

Findings

Y3Ru4Ge13 superconducts at 2.85 K

Lu3Os4Ge13 superconducts at 3.1 K

Both compounds have cubic structure (space group Pm3n)

Abstract

A variety of unconventional superconductors have low carrier density as a common factor. However, the underlying mechanism of superconductivity in such low carrier density systems is not well understood. Besides, small carrier density is an unfavourable component for conventional superconductivity as described by the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory. Therefore, studying low carrier density systems can lead to a better understanding in such systems. In this paper, we report superconductivity property studies in low carrier density systems, Y$_3$Ru$_4$Ge$_{13}$ and Lu$_3$Os$_4$Ge$_{13}$, using various experimental techniques. Single crystals of Y$_3$Ru$_4$Ge$_{13}$ and Lu$_3$Os$_4$Ge$_{13}$ have been grown using the Czochralski crystal pulling method in a tetra-arc furnace. The x-ray diffraction experiment reveals that both compounds crystallize in cubic structure {(space group $\it{Pm3n}$, no. 223)}. The transport, magnetization and heat capacity measurements show that Y$_3$Ru$_4$Ge$_{13}$ single crystal undergoes a superconducting transition at 2.85~K, whereas, Lu$_3$Os$_4$Ge$_{13}$ becomes superconductor at 3.1~K.