The influence of magnetic ordering on the superconducting properties of amorphous (Zr1−xErx)3Rh alloys

The effect of Er impurities on the superconducting properties of an amorphous Zr₃Rh alloy has been studied. The Er impurities are found to exhibit magnetic behavior characteristic of a free Er³⁺ ion in a weak crystal field. Magnetic ordering of the Er moments is observed to occur at a temperature T_M which is proportional to the Er concentration. This ordering strongly influences superconductivity as evidenced by anomalous behavior in the concentration dependence of T_c. For concentrations near the critical Abrikosov-Gor'kov value, superconductivity appears to be induced by magnetic ordering. The superconducting critical field H_c2(T) is strongly effected by magnetic ordering and can be used to deduce information concerning the nature of the ordering. The results are analyzed in terms of theoretical models.