Coexistence of superconductivity and magnetic ordering in the borocarbide superconducting system Original Research Article

The investigation of the intermetallic compounds Y1−xRExNi2B2C and Y1−xRExPd5B3C0.4 (RE=Gd, Dy, Ho, Er; 0≤x≤1.0) demonstrates that the coexistence of the long-range-magnetic-ordering and the superconductivity is possible The normal-state magnetic susceptibility shows a Curie-Weiss-like temperature dependence and a small paramagnetic Curie temperature. The value of the effective moment is close to that of the free RE+3 ion. Both results suggest that the coupling between the conduction electron and magnetic ion is not strong, but the coupling is still strong enough to cause the depression of superconductivity. The Abrikosov-Gor‘kov magnetic pair-breaking theory can be applied to those systems. The corresponding magnetic-ordering temperature increases with increasing magnetic moment concentration while the superconducting transition temperature decreases. The long-range-magnetic-ordering is mainly caused by the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida indirect exchange interaction via conduction electrons. This indirect exchange coupling strongly depends on the concentration of RE+3-moment and de Gennes factor.