Paper detail

SrPt$_3$P: two-band single-gap superconductor

The magnetic penetration depth ($λ$) as a function of applied magnetic field and temperature in SrPt$_3$P($T_c\simeq8.4$ K) was studied by means of muon-spin rotation ($μ$SR). The dependence of $λ^{-2}$ on temperature suggests the existence of a single $s-$wave energy gap with the zero-temperature value $Δ=1.58(2)$ meV. At the same time $λ$ was found to be strongly field dependent which is the characteristic feature of the nodal gap and/or multi-gap systems. The multi-gap nature of the superconduicting state is further confirmed by observation of an upward curvature of the upper critical field. This apparent contradiction would be resolved with SrPt$_3$P being a two-band superconductor with equal gaps but different coherence lengths within the two Fermi surface sheets.