Possibility of charge density wave transition in SrPt$_2$Sb$_2$ superconductor

TL;DR

This study investigates a potential charge density wave transition in SrPt$_2$Sb$_2$ superconductor, revealing a structural change at 270 K that suggests CDW formation without magnetic order, contributing to understanding CDW-superconductor interplay.

Contribution

It provides evidence for a possible CDW transition in SrPt$_2$Sb$_2$, highlighting a structural transformation and expanding the class of materials for studying CDW and superconductivity interactions.

Findings

Structural transition from monoclinic to orthorhombic at 270 K

No magnetic order observed at transition

Potential charge density wave transition identified

Abstract

The first-order transition at $T_{\rm 0} = 270$ K for the platinum-based SrPt$_2$Sb$_2$ superconductor was investigated using X-ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility measurements. When polycrystalline SrPt$_2$Sb$_2$ was cooled down through $T_{\rm 0}$, the structure was transformed from monoclinic to a modulated orthorhombic structure, and no magnetic order was formed, which illustrates the possibility of a charge density wave (CDW) transition at $T_{\rm 0}$. SrPt$_2$Sb$_2$ can thus be a new example to examine the interplay of CDW and superconductivity in addition to SrPt$_2$As$_2$, BaPt$_2$As$_2$ and LaPt$_2$Si$_2$. It is unique that the average structure of the low-temperature phase has higher symmetry than that of the high-temperature phase.