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First-principles calculation of the superconducting transition in MgB2 within the anisotropic Eliashberg formalism

Journal Article · · Physical Review B

We present a study of the superconducting transition in MgB2 using the ab initio pseudopotential density-functional method, a fully anisotropic Eliashberg equation, and a conventional estimate for mu*. Our study shows that the anisotropic Eliashberg equation, constructed with ab initio calculated momentum-dependent electron-phonon interaction and anharmonic phonon frequencies, yields an average electron-phonon coupling constant lambda = 0.61, a transition temperature T-sub c = 39 K, and a boron isotope-effect exponent alpha-sub B = 0.32. The calculated values for T-sub c, lambda, and alpha-sub B are in excellent agreement with transport, specific-heat,and isotope-effect measurements, respectively. The individual values of the electron-phonon coupling lambda (k,k-prime) on the various pieces of the Fermi surface, however, vary from 0.1 to 2.5. The observed T-sub c is a result of both the raising effect of anisotropy in the electron-phonon couplings and the lowering effect of anharmonicity in the relevant phonon modes.

Research Organization:
Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Director, Office of Science. Office of Basic Energy Studies. Materials Science and Engineering Division; National Science Foundation (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
805159
Report Number(s):
LBNL--51640; B& R KC0202030
Journal Information:
Physical Review B, Journal Name: Physical Review B Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 66
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English