0000000000870639
AUTHOR
K. L. Holman
Ni-based superconductor: Heusler compoundZrNi2Ga
This work reports on the novel Heusler superconductor ZrNi2Ga. Compared to other nickel-based superconductors with Heusler structure, ZrNi2Ga exhibits a relatively high superconducting transition temperature of Tc=2.9 K and an upper critical field of 1.5 T. Electronic structure calculations show that this relatively high transition temperature is caused by a van Hove singularity, which leads to an enhanced density of states at the Fermi energy. The van Hove singularity originates from a higher order valence instability at the L-point in the electronic structure. The enhanced density of states at the Fermi level was confirmed by specific heat and susceptibility measurements. Although many He…
A Ni-based Superconductor: the Heusler Compound ZrNi$_2$Ga
This work reports on the novel Heusler superconductor ZrNi2Ga. Compared to other nickel-based superconductors with Heusler structure, ZrNi2Ga exhibits a relatively high superconducting transition temperature of Tc=2.9 K and an upper critical field of 1.5 T. Electronic structure calculations show that this relatively high transition temperature is caused by a van Hove singularity, which leads to an enhanced density of states at the Fermi energy. The van Hove singularity originates from a higher order valence instability at the L-point in the electronic structure. The enhanced density of states at the Fermi level was confirmed by specific heat and susceptibility measurements. Although many He…
Crystal structure and physical properties of Mg6Cu16Si7-type M6Ni16Si7, for M=Mg, Sc, Ti, Nb, and Ta
Five compounds were investigated for magnetic character and superconductivity, all with non-magnetic nickel and band structures containing flat bands and steep bands. The syntheses and crystal structures, refined by powder X-ray diffraction, are reported for M{sub 6}Ni{sub 16}Si{sub 7}, where M = Mg, Sc, Ti, Nb, and Ta. All compounds form in the Mg{sub 6}Cu{sub 16}Si{sub 7} structure type. Resistance measurements are also reported on M{sub 6}Ni{sub 16}Si{sub 7} (M = Mg, Sc, Ti, and Nb) down to 0.3 K, with all four showing metallic conductivity. No superconductivity is observed. Magnetization measurements for all compounds reveal essentially temperature independent paramagnetism, with a tend…