Weakening of the diamagnetic shielding in FeSe${}_{1-x}$S${}_x$ at high pressures

Abstract

The superconducting transition of FeSe${}_{1-x}$S${}_x$ with three distinct sulphur concentrations $x$ was studied under hydrostatic pressure up to $\sim$70 kbar via bulk AC susceptibility. The pressure dependence of the superconducting transition temperature ($T_c$) features a small dome-shaped variation at low pressures for $x=0.04$ and $x=0.12$, followed by a more substantial $T_c$ enhancement to a value of around 30 K at moderate pressures. In $x=0.21$, a similar overall pressure dependence of $T_c$ is observed, except that the small dome at low pressures is flattened. For all three concentrations, a significant weakening of the diamagnetic shielding is observed beyond the pressure around which the maximum $T_c$ of 30 K is reached near the verge of pressure-induced magnetic phase. This observation points to a strong competition between the magnetic and high-$T_c$ superconducting states at high pressure in this system.

5 pages, 4 figures + Supplemental Material (2 pages, 3 figures). Accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. B (Rapid Comm.)