PHYS838C Seminar: Gicela Saucedo Salas
Description
Title: Local Structure association to the distinct RRR observed in UTe2
Abstract: Recent advances in crystal growth techniques for the spin-triplet superconductor candidate UTe2 have revealed significant sample variations. These variations have attracted considerable interest, as higher-quality crystals tend to exhibit higher superconducting transition temperatures. However, the underlying origins of these differences, particularly their relationship to the crystal structure, remain poorly understood. In this presentation, we investigate six UTe2 samples spanning a range of residual resistivity ratios (RRR), including both superconducting and nonsuperconducting samples, using Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analysis of powder samples. This approach allows us to probe local structural distortions and investigate potential uranium-site vacancies and anisotropic atomic displacements. By comparing the local structures across samples with different RRR values and superconducting properties, we aim to identify structural features that may contribute to the observed variation in superconductivity.
Advisor: Nicholas P. Butch
Abstract: Recent advances in crystal growth techniques for the spin-triplet superconductor candidate UTe2 have revealed significant sample variations. These variations have attracted considerable interest, as higher-quality crystals tend to exhibit higher superconducting transition temperatures. However, the underlying origins of these differences, particularly their relationship to the crystal structure, remain poorly understood. In this presentation, we investigate six UTe2 samples spanning a range of residual resistivity ratios (RRR), including both superconducting and nonsuperconducting samples, using Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analysis of powder samples. This approach allows us to probe local structural distortions and investigate potential uranium-site vacancies and anisotropic atomic displacements. By comparing the local structures across samples with different RRR values and superconducting properties, we aim to identify structural features that may contribute to the observed variation in superconductivity.
Advisor: Nicholas P. Butch