Superconductivity without Fe or Ni in the phosphides BaIr2P2 and BaRh2P2
Abstract
Heat capacity, resistivity, and magnetic susceptibility measurements confirm bulk superconductivity in single crystals of BaIr2 P2 (Tc =2.1K) and BaRh2 P2 (Tc =1.0K). These compounds form in the ThCr2 Si2 (122) structure so they are isostructural to both the Ni and Fe pnictides but not isoelectronic to either of them. This illustrates the importance of structure for the occurrence of superconductivity in the 122 pnictides. Additionally, a comparison between these and other ternary phosphide superconductors suggests that the lack of interlayer P-P bonding favors superconductivity. These stoichiometric and ambient pressure superconductors offer an ideal playground to investigate the role of structure for the mechanism of superconductivity in the absence of magnetism. © 2009 The American Physical Society.
Many UC-authored scholarly publications are freely available on this site because of the UC's open access policies. Let us know how this access is important for you.