Broken Time-Reversal Symmetry in Superconducting Partially Filled Skutterudite Pr1−δ Pt4Ge12 *.

Time reversal symmetry (TRS) is a key symmetry for classification of unconventional superconductors, and the violation of TRS often results in a wealth of novel properties. Here we report the synthesis and superconducting properties of the partially filled skutterudite Pr1 − δPt4Ge12. The results from x-ray diffraction and magnetization measurements show that the [Pt4Ge12] cage-forming structure survives and bulk superconductivity is preserved below the superconducting transition temperature Tc = 7.80 K. The temperature dependence of both the upper critical field and the electronic specific heat can be described in terms of a two-gap model, providing strong evidence of multi-band superconductivity. TRS breaking is observed using zero field muon-spin relaxation experiments, and the magnitude of the spontaneous field is nearly half of that in PrPt4Ge12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]