The higher superconducting transition temperature T$_c$ and the functional derivative of T$_c$ with $\alpha^2F(\omega)$ for electron-phonon superconductors

TL;DR

This study analyzes the relationship between the superconducting transition temperature T$_c$ and the electron-phonon coupling function in high-pressure H$_3$S, revealing a correlation that can guide optimizing T$_c$ in electron-phonon superconductors.

Contribution

It demonstrates a correlation between the functional derivative of T$_c$ and the electron-phonon spectrum, providing a new theoretical tool to predict and optimize T$_c$ in such materials.

Findings

Correlation between $ abla T_c$ and $ abla ext{spectra}$ peaks and higher T$_c$

Validation of the correlation across multiple electron-phonon superconductors

Potential to guide experimental conditions for maximum T$_c$

Abstract

This work presents an analysis of the functional derivative of the superconducting transition temperature T$_c$ with respect to the electron-phonon coupling function $\alpha^2F(\omega)$ [$\delta T_c/\delta \alpha^2$F($\omega$)] and $\alpha^2F(\omega)$ spectrum of H$_3$S ($Im\bar3m$), in the pressure range where the high-T$_c$ was measured (155-225 GPa). The calculations are done in the framework of the Migdal-Eliashberg theory. We find for this electron-phonon superconductor, a correlation between the maximums of $\delta T_c/\delta \alpha^2$F($\omega$) and $\alpha^2F(\omega)$ with its higher T$_c$. We corroborate this behavior in other electron-phonon superconductors by analyzing data available in the literature, which suggests its validity in this type of superconductors. The correlation observed could be considered as a theoretical tool that in an electron-phonon superconductor, allows describing qualitatively the proximity to its highest T$_c$, and determining the optimal physical conditions (pressure, alloying or doping concentration) that lead to the superconductor reaching its highest T$_c$ possible.