Field-Angle Dependence Reveals Odd-Parity Superconductivity in CeRh2As2

Abstract

CeRh2As2 is an unconventional superconductor with multiple superconducting phases and Tc=0.26 K. When H∥c, it shows a field-induced transition at μ0H*=4 T from a low-field superconducting state SC1 to a high-field state SC2 with a large critical field of μ0Hc2=14 T. In contrast, for H⊥c, only the SC1 with μ0Hc2=2 T is observed. A simple model based on the crystal symmetry was able to reproduce the phase diagrams and their anisotropy, identifying SC1 and SC2 with even and odd parity superconducting states, respectively. However, additional orders were observed in the normal state which might have an influence on the change of the superconducting state at H*. Here, we present a comprehensive study of the angle dependence of the upper critical fields using magnetic ac susceptibility, specific heat, and torque on single crystals of CeRh2As2. The experiments show that the state SC2 is strongly suppressed when rotating the magnetic field away from the c axis and it disappears for an angle of 35°. This behavior agrees perfectly with our extended model of a pseudospin triplet state with d→ vector in the plane and hence allows us to conclude that SC2 is indeed the suggested odd-parity state.

Source-reported materials — not catalogue approval

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