Spectroscopy of H$_3$S: evidence of a new energy scale for superconductivity

TL;DR

This study uses optical spectroscopy to investigate H$_3$S under high pressure, revealing a new energy scale linked to its superconductivity and supporting a conventional electron-phonon mechanism with possible electronic contributions.

Contribution

First optical spectroscopy analysis of H$_3$S under high pressure, identifying a new energy scale and providing evidence for a conventional superconducting mechanism with strong phonon activity.

Findings

Observation of strong infrared active phonons at ~160 meV

Superconducting state shows increased reflectance from 450 to 600 meV

Temperature-dependent optical features support electron-phonon superconductivity

Abstract

The discovery of a superconducting phase in sulfur hydride under high pressure with a critical temperature above 200 K has provided a new impetus to the search for even higher $T_c$. Theory predicted and experiment confirmed that the phase involved is H$_3$S with Im-3m crystal structure. The observation of a sharp drop in resistance to zero at $T_c$, its downward shift with magnetic field and a Meissner effect confirm superconductivity but the mechanism involved remains to be determined. Here, we provide a first optical spectroscopy study of this new superconductor. Experimental results for the optical reflectivity of H$_3$S, under high pressure of 150 GPa, for several temperatures and over the range 60 to 600 meV of photon energies, are compared with theoretical calculations based on Eliashberg theory using DFT results for the electron-phonon spectral density $\alpha^2$F($\Omega$). Two significant features stand out: some remarkably strong infrared active phonons at $\approx$ 160 meV and a band with a depressed reflectance in the superconducting state in the region from 450 meV to 600 meV. In this energy range, as predicted by theory, H$_3$S is found to become a better reflector with increasing temperature. This temperature evolution is traced to superconductivity originating from the electron-phonon interaction. The shape, magnitude, and energy dependence of this band at 150 K agrees with our calculations. This provides strong evidence of a conventional mechanism. However, the unusually strong optical phonon suggests a contribution of electronic degrees of freedom.