Evidence for superconductivity and a pseudogap in the new magnetic compound PrAg₆In₆

Abstract

Direct evidence for superconductivity in the new magnetic compound PrAg₆In₆ is revealed for the first time. The distinct Andreev-reflection current is observed in metallic point contacts (PC) based on this compound. The data obtained provide reason enough to suggest that the rise of superconductivity strongly depends on the local magnetic order varying over the sample volume. The triangular-shaped PC spectra (dV/dI V ( )) in the vicinity of the zero-bias voltage suggest an unconventional type of superconducting pairing. As follows from the temperature and magnetic field dependences of the PC spectra, the superconducting energy gap structure transforms into the pseudogap one as the temperature or the magnetic field increases.