Superconductivity in MgTa2S5
- Benjamin, S. M. [ Montana State University: Physics ]
- Smith, M. G. [ Montana State University: Physics ]
- Neumeier, J. J. [ Montana State University: Physics ]
Superconductivity in the new compound, MgTaS, is reported. Its crystal structure was indexed to space group , which is monoclinic with lattice parameters = 5.784(5) Ã…, = 12.680(3) Ã…, and = 6.106(5) Ã…, with = 112.64. Electrical resistivity reveals metallic behavior with (296 K) = 5.2 m cm and bulk superconductivity below = 1 K. Measurements of the specific heat reveal the electronic specific heat coefficient = 11.1(5) mJ/mol K, a jump in at illustrating bulk superconductivity, and an energy gap associated with the superconducting state of = 0.25(3) meV. MgTaS can be classified as a BCS superconductor. An unidentified minority phase present in the sample ( 4%) exhibits a superconducting phase transition near 2.6 K.