Superconductivity in Magnetically Ordered CeTe$_{1.82}$

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of pressure-induced superconductivity in the magnetic semimetal CeTe$_{1.82}$, with a relatively high transition temperature facilitated by its unique magnetic structure and charge-density-wave state.

Contribution

It presents the first observation of pressure-induced superconductivity in CeTe$_{1.82}$ and discusses its potential pairing mechanism and symmetry.

Findings

Superconductivity appears under pressure above 2 kbar.

Transition temperature $T_{SC}$ is 2.7 K, notably high for this material.

Magnetic structure coexists with superconductivity, suggesting a link.

Abstract

We report the discovery of pressure-induced superconductivity in a semimetallic magnetic material CeTe$_{1.82}$. The superconducting transition temperature $T_{SC}$ = 2.7 K (well below the magnetic ordering temperatures) under pressure ($>$ 2 kbar) is remarkably high, considering the relatively low carrier density due to a charge-density-wave transition associated with lattice modulation. The coexisting magnetic structure of a mixed ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism can provide a clue for this high $T_{SC}$. We discuss a theoretical model for its possible pairing symmetry and pairing mechanism.