Abstract
We have investigated the magnetic properties of the Heusler compound YbPd 2Sn, which exhibits coexistence of superconductivity ( T c=2.3 K) and antiferromagnetism ( T N=0.22 K). In the temperature dependence of the specific heat in applied magnetic fields, we found an anomalous broadening of the Schottky peak caused by the Zeeman splitting of the Γ 7 crystalline–electric-field (CEF) ground state of the Yb 3+ ions. This fact indicates the existence of antiferromagnetic (AF) short-range correlations, which are hardly destroyed by magnetic field. An anomalous temperature dependence of the upper critical field B c 2 with a maximum around 0.8 K can be explained by taking into account the pair breaking effect of Cooper pairs caused by the Yb-moment fluctuation through an exchange interaction. We propose that a weak magnetic coupling between the cubic Pd sublattice responsible for superconductivity and the NaCl-type Yb–Sn sublattice responsible for the AF magnetic ordering play an essential role for the coexistence.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
