Abstract
The Dirac semimetal becomes superconducting at a temperature K. Thermodynamic and muon spin rotation experiments support type-I superconductivity, which is unusual for a binary compound. A key property of a type-I superconductor is the intermediate state, which presents a coexistence of superconducting and normal domains at magnetic fields lower than the thermodynamic critical field . We present scanning SQUID microscopy studies of revealing coexisting superconducting and normal domains of tubular and laminar shape as the magnetic field is more and more increased, thus confirming type-I superconductivity in . Values for the domain wall width in the intermediate state have been derived. The field amplitudes measured at the surface indicate bending of the domain walls separating the normal and superconducting domains.
- Received 22 June 2020
- Revised 29 January 2021
- Accepted 8 March 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.103.104510
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