Pressure-induced redistribution in density of states and reemergence of superconductivity in AgSnSe2

• Published in: iScience Vol. 28; no. 5; p. 112442
• Main Authors: Pei, Cuiying, Wu, Juefei, Cao, Weizheng, Jiang, Yuyang, Wang, Qi, Zhao, Yi, Wang, Junjie, Ying, Tianping, Qi, Yanpeng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 16.05.2025; Elsevier
• Subjects: Condensed matter physics; Natural sciences; Physics; Natural sciences; Physics; Condensed matter physics
• ISSN: 2589-0042; 2589-0042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.112442

The intricate relationship between superconductivity and disorder is a captivating subject within condensed matter physics. Strong disorder suppresses superconductivity and induces a superconductor-insulator transition. However, below a certain critical degree of disorder, the superconductivity critical temperature (Tc) can be enhanced. Herein, we present evidence of pressure-induced reemergence of superconductivity in a strongly disordered 3D superconductor AgSnSe2. A structural phase transition from NaCl- to CsCl-type structure occurs, coinciding with the emergence of the second superconducting state. First-principles calculations suggest that the partial density of states in Se atoms exhibits a sharp elevation around the transition pressure, which is related to the secondary superconducting state. Our study illustrates AgSnSe2 as a promising platform to explore the comprehensive effects among disorder, high pressure, and superconductivity, offering insights for subsequent experimental and theoretical studies. [Display omitted] •Pressure-induced reemergence of superconductivity in disordered superconductor AgSnSe2•Structural phase transition coincides with the second superconducting state•Partial density of states in Se atoms relates to the secondary superconducting state Natural sciences; Physics; Condensed matter physics