Possible Realization of Odd Frequency Pairing in Heavy Fermion Compounds

TL;DR

This paper proposes a theoretical mechanism for odd frequency superconductivity in heavy fermion compounds using Majorana fermions to model spins, predicting unique experimental signatures like linear specific heat.

Contribution

It introduces a novel realization of odd frequency pairing in heavy fermions through a Majorana fermion approach to the Kondo lattice model.

Findings

Prediction of linear specific heat at low temperatures.

Surface of gap zeros indicating resonant pairing.

Linear energy dependence of spin and charge coherence factors.

Abstract

Using Majorana Fermions to represent spins we re-examine the Kondo Lattice model for heavy fermions. The simplest decoupling procedure provides a realization of odd frequency superconductivity, with resonant pairing and surfaces of gap zeros. Spin and charge coherence factors vanish linearly with the energy on the Fermi surface, predicting a linear specific heat, but a $T^3$ NMR relaxation rate. Possible application to heavy fermions is suggested.