Direct measurement of the evolution of magnetism and superconductivity toward the quantum critical point

Abstract

Nontrivial quantum states can be realized in the vicinity of the quantum critical point (QCP) in many strongly correlated electron systems. In particular, an emergence of unconventional superconductivity around the QCP strongly suggests that the quantum critical fluctuations play a central role in the superconducting pairing mechanism. However, a clear signature of the direct coupling between the superconducting pairing states and the quantum criticality has not yet been elucidated by the microscopic probes. Herein, we present muon spin rotation/relaxation and neutron diffraction measurements in the superconducting dome of CeCo(In1−xZnx)5. It was found that a magnetically ordered state develops at x ≥ 0.03, coexisting with the superconductivity. The magnitude of the ordered magnetic moment is continuously reduced with decreasing x, and it disappears below x ∼ 0.03, indicating a second-order phase transition and the presence of the QCP at this critical Zn concentration. Furthermore, the magnetic penetration depth diverges toward the QCP. These facts provide evidence for the intimate coupling between quantum criticality and Cooper pairing.