Magnetic fluctuations and superconductivity in YbPd$_2$Sn

TL;DR

This study investigates magnetic fluctuations and their relationship with superconductivity in YbPd$_2$Sn using muon spin relaxation and neutron scattering, revealing slowed magnetic fluctuations and their interplay with superconductivity.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the magnetic fluctuation dynamics and their connection to superconductivity in YbPd$_2$Sn, a Heusler system, through combined muon and neutron measurements.

Findings

Magnetic fluctuations slow down below 150K, similar to Kondo lattices.

Muon depolarization rate increases below the superconducting transition temperature.

The neutron data supports a crystal-electric field ground state with $rac{7}{4}}$ symmetry.

Abstract

We report muon spin relaxation and inelastic neutron measurements on the Heusler system YbPd$_2$Sn. Localised anisotropic and quasi-elastic Yb magnetic fluctuations are observed below $T = 150$K. Both $\mu$SR and neutron data indicate a slowing-down of the spin-fluctuations, upon lowering the temperature, similar to that observed in Kondo lattices. The temperature dependence of the quasi-elastic neutron signal is compatible with a crystal-electric field scheme having a $\Gamma_7^{\rm CEF}$ ground state. The muon depolarization rate exhibits an additional contribution upon decreasing the temperature below $T_{\rm c}$ suggesting a close interplay between magnetic fluctuations and the superconducting state.