Multigap superconductivity in the new BiCh$_{2}$-based layered superconductor La$_\mathrm{0.7}$Ce$_\mathrm{0.3}$OBiSSe

TL;DR

This study reveals multigap s+s wave superconductivity in La0.7Ce0.3OBiSSe, a layered BiCh2-based superconductor, with detailed measurements confirming its pairing symmetry, penetration depth, and preserved time-reversal symmetry.

Contribution

First demonstration of multigap superconductivity in La0.7Ce0.3OBiSSe using muon spin rotation and other measurements, highlighting its isotropic two-gap s+s wave nature.

Findings

Bulk superconductivity below 2.7 K confirmed by resistivity and magnetization.

Magnetic penetration depth fits an isotropic two-gap s+s wave model.

Time-reversal symmetry remains intact in the superconducting state.

Abstract

The layered bismuth oxy-sulfide materials, which are structurally related to the Fe-pnictides/chalcogenides and cuprates superconductors, have brought substantial attention for understanding the physics of reduced dimensional superconductors. We have examined the pairing symmetry of recently discovered BiCh$_2$-based superconductor, La$_\mathrm{1-x}$Ce$_\mathrm{x}$OBiSSe with $x$ = 0.3, through transverse field (TF) muon spin rotation measurement, in addition we present the results of magnetization, resistivity and zero field (ZF) muon spin relaxation measurements. Bulk superconductivity has been observed below 2.7 K for $x$ = 0.3, verified by resistivity and magnetization data. The temperature dependence of the magnetic penetration depth has been determined from TF-$\mu$SR data can be described by an isotropic two-gap $s+s$ wave model compared to a single gap $s$- or anisotropic $s$-wave models, the resemblance with Fe-pnictides/chalcogenides and MgB$_2$. Furthermore, from the TF-$\mu$SR data, we have determined the London's penetration depth $\lambda_\mathrm{L}(0)$ = 452(3) nm, superconducting carrier's density $n_\mathrm{s}$ = 2.18(1) $\times$10$^{26}$ carriers/m$^{3}$ and effective mass enhancement $m^{*}$ = 1.66(1) $m_\mathrm{e}$, respectively. No signature of spontaneous internal field is found down to 100 mK in ZF-$\mu$SR measurement suggest that time-reversal symmetry is preserved in this system.