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This study explores the fascinating properties of the filled skutterudite compound PrOs4As12, a material exhibiting unique ordered phases. Through detailed characterization, we reveal its thermodynamic behavior and phase transitions, contributing to our understanding of quadrupolar ordering. The investigation builds on findings from related compounds, like PrOs4Sb12, known for heavy fermion superconductivity. Our research not only advances materials science but also has implications for high-temperature superconductivity, involving contributions from multiple graduate students and researchers, enhancing education and innovation in this field.
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Multiple Ordered Phases in the Filled Skutterudite Compound PrOs4As12 M. Brian Maple, University of California, San Diego — DMR 0335173 Intellectual Merit Numerous Pr-based filled skutterudite compounds with the formula PrT4X12 (where T = Fe, Ru, Os; X = P, As, Sb) display a variety of interesting phenomena. For instance, PrOs4Sb12 exhibits heavy fermion superconductivity along with field-induced antiferroquadrupolar (AFQ) ordering, while PrFe4P12 has AFQ ordering in zero field and a field-induced heavy fermion state. Interest in quadrupolar ordering has increased due to the possibility that the pairing mechanism of the superconducting electrons in PrOs4Sb12 may involve electric quadrupole fluctuations rather than magnetic dipole fluctuations that are believed to mediate this electron pairing in all other known heavy fermion super-conductors. In order to elucidate this phe-nomenon, the Pr-based filled skutterudite analog compound PrOs4As12 was prepared and studied. This work rep-resents the first detailed characterization of PrOs4As12, as well as the first comprehensive study of a filled skutterudite arsenide in single crystal form. Specific heat C(T) divided by T of PrOs4As12 single crystals in various fields, showing the development and suppression of two phase transitions at T2 and T1. The inset shows C/T in zero field in the vicinity of the transition temperatures.
Multiple Ordered Phases in the Filled Skutterudite Compound PrOs4As12 M. Brian Maple, University of California, San Diego — DMR 0335173 Broader Impact Broader impact on society: Developments in the understanding of low temperature phenomena such as quadrupolar ordering could lead to a more complete description of similar phenomena that may be of techno-logical importance. For instance a better understanding of quadrupolar ordering in the filled skutterudite PrOs4Sb12 may lead to an improved understanding of high temperature superconductivity. Education/research: Five graduate students (William Yuhasz, Todd Sayles, Nicholas Butch, Jason Jeffries, and Neil Frederick) and two research physicists (Pei-Chun Ho and Tatsuya Yanagisawa) contributed to this project. Neil Frederick received his Ph.D. in 2005 and currently remains with the group as a postdoc. The other graduate students and research physicists are still members of our research group and are performing related experiments. PrOs4As12 single crystals ~0.5 - 1.0 mm in size.