Evidence for the FFLO state in CeCoIn_5 from penetration depth measurements

TL;DR

This study provides evidence for the FFLO state in CeCoIn_5 through penetration depth and resistivity measurements, revealing phase transitions and their relation to quasi-particle interactions at very low temperatures.

Contribution

It demonstrates the existence of the FFLO state in CeCoIn_5 using penetration depth measurements and identifies the nature of phase transitions near the upper critical field.

Findings

Identification of a second order transition to the FFLO state

Observation of a first order transition from FFLO to normal state

Correlation of FFLO state with changes in quasi-particle interactions

Abstract

We report penetration depth and resistivity measurements on the heavy fermion superconductor CeCoIn_5 using a self resonant tank circuit based on a tunnel diode oscillator. For magnetic fields applied near parallel to the \emph{ab}-planes and temperatures below 250 mK, two phase transitions were found. The lower field transition, within the superconducting state, is of a second order and we identify it as the transition from the ordinary vortex state to the Fulde, Ferrell, Larkin, Ovchinnikov (FFLO) state. The higher field transition marks the change from the FFLO to the normal state. This higher field transition, $H_{c2}$, is of first order up to 900 mK, the highest temperature measured. Our normal state resistivity measurements at temperatures between 100 and 900 mK suggest that the FFLO state is related to the change of the quasi-particle interaction strength, $F^a_0$. Our critical field data for different orientations and temperatures is in good agreement with recent specific heat, magnetization, and resistivity results.