LaPt2Al2 - new superconducting material

Our study is focused on superconductivity in LaPt2Al2 compound. Specific heat and electrical resistivity measurements reveal a superconducting state below 0.57 K. Superconducting behaviour is in agreement with the weak coupling limit of BCS theory. The electronic Sommerfeld coefficient and equilibrium volume were described by first principles methods. The calculated electron phonon constant, λ=0.48, using the McMillan formula is small. The crystal lattice of LaPt2Al2 is described by the orthorhombic space group Cmme. Polarisation contrast microscopy reveals a domain structure, which is the result of a symmetry lowering structural transition above room temperature. •The superconducting state was found in LaPt2Al2 below 0.57 K.•The superconducting behaviour is in agreement with Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer theory.•The domain structure suggests structural transition above the room temperature.