Peak in the superconducting transition temperature of the nonmagnetic topological line-nodal material CaSb$_2$ under pressure

TL;DR

This study explores how applying pressure affects the superconducting transition temperature in CaSb$_2$, revealing a peak at 3.1 GPa and suggesting unconventional superconductivity without phase transitions.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed pressure dependence of $T_c$ in CaSb$_2$, indicating a non-monotonic behavior and potential unconventional superconductivity.

Findings

$T_c$ peaks at 3.1 GPa

Superconductivity disappears at 5.9 GPa

No phase or Lifshitz transition observed in normal state

Abstract

Investigating the pressure dependence of the superconducting (SC) transition temperature $T_{\rm c}$ is crucial for understanding the SC mechanism. Herein, we report on the pressure dependence of $T_{\rm c}$ in the nonmagnetic topological line-nodal material CaSb$_2$, based on measurements of electric resistance and alternating current magnetic susceptibility. $T_{\rm c}$ initially increases with increasing pressure and peaks at $\sim$ 3.1~GPa. With a further increase in pressure, $T_{\rm c}$ decreases and finally becomes undetectable at 5.9~GPa. Because no signs of phase transition or Lifshitz transition are observed in the normal state, the peculiar peak structure of $T_{\rm c}$ suggests that CaSb$_2$ has an unconventional SC character.