Tetragonal-to-orthorhombic distortion in CeRh${}_2$As${}_2$

Abstract

CeRh${}_2$As${}_2$ is best known for its two superconducting phases, which are observed when a magnetic field is applied along the $c$ axis of its tetragonal unit cell. The emergence of superconductivity, with $T_c\approx 0.31$K, is preceded by an ordered state (phase I), with an ordering temperature $T_0\approx 0.46$K. The precise nature of the order parameter in phase I is still unknown, although evidence of dipolar ordering was found. To investigate a possible symmetry breaking at $T_{\text{0}}$, we conducted longitudinal thermal-expansion measurements along the crystallographic [100], [010], [110], and [1$\overline{1}$0] directions on a single-crystalline sample cut into an octagonal shape. Our results demonstrate the breaking of the fourfold in-plane symmetry below $T_{\text{0}}$, evidencing a small tetragonal-to-orthorhombic distortion (orthorhombicity $\delta \sim 10^{-7}$). The breaking of the tetragonal symmetry at $T_{\text{0}}$ might imply that the superconducting order parameter that develops within phase I cannot be multi-component. More generally, the distortion places restrictions on the possible order parameters for phase I.

arXiv comment8 pages 5 figures in the main paper, 4 pages, 4 figues in the supplemental material