Search for superconductivity at high pressures in Eu, EuMo6S8, and EuMo6Se8

Abstract

Electrical resistance measurements between 1.4 K and room temperature at pressures up to 130 kbar on Eu, and between 90 and 130 kbar on Eu${\mathrm{Mo}}_{6}$${\mathrm{S}}_{8}$ and Eu${\mathrm{Mo}}_{6}$${\mathrm{Se}}_{8}$ yield no indication of a superconducting transition in any of these materials. The temperature dependence of the resistance of Eu at 130 kbar is consistent with antiferromagnetic order. Neither Eu${\mathrm{Mo}}_{6}$${\mathrm{S}}_{8}$ nor Eu${\mathrm{Mo}}_{6}$${\mathrm{Se}}_{8}$ displays resistance versus pressure behavior which might indicate a phase transition.