Flux-trapping experiments on ultra-high pressure hydrides as evidence of superconductivity

TL;DR

This paper reanalyzes flux-trapping magnetization data on ultra-high pressure hydrides, confirming that the observations are consistent with superconductivity and addressing previous controversies.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the reported magnetization data aligns with superconductivity models, supporting the original claims of hydride superconductivity.

Findings

Reported ZFC magnetization is super-linear, consistent with superconductivity.

Data aligns with Bean model calculations for thin discs.

Supports the original inference of hydride superconductivity.

Abstract

Flux-trapping magnetization studies on H3S at ultra-high pressure have been reported by Minkov et al. as definitive evidence of superconductivity in this hydride system. This is very helpful in a field that has become somewhat controversial. However, this conclusion has been questioned based on an apparent zero-field cooled (ZFC) linear magnetization at low field. The standard Bean model would require an approximately quadratic dependence. In support, we note that the reported ZFC magnetization is indeed super-linear and consistent both with model calculations for thin discs and with the ZFC magnetization reported for YBa2Cu3Oy films. We conclude that the reported high-pressure magnetization data is fully consistent with superconductivity and that there is no reason, in this particular data set, to reject the original inference of hydride superconductivity.