Electronic structure and optical properties of superconducting compounds ScGa3 and LuGa3

The optical properties of bulk AuCu3-type ordered superconducting binary compounds ScGa3 and LuGa3 have been experimentally investigated for the first time in the wide spectral range and explained in terms of the band structure. First-principles calculations of electronic densities of states and optical conductivities are performed within the framework of LSDA+U method using the LMTO-ASA software package. The measured dielectric functions spectra for both materials exhibit a strong absorption region above similar to 1eV, which are in a reasonable agreement with the calculated metal-like energy structures of compounds. Features of quantum light absorption are discussed on the basis of a comparative analysis of experimental and theoretical spectra of interband optical conductivity. Plasma and relaxation frequencies of conduction electrons are determined.

Automated summary

The optical properties of ScGa3 and LuGa3 superconducting binary compounds were investigated for the first time, and the results were explained in terms of the band structure. Calculations and measurements showed that both materials exhibited strong absorption in the dielectric functions spectra, which agreed with the calculated metal-like energy structures. The characteristics of quantum light absorption were discussed based on a comparative analysis of experimental and theoretical interband optical conductivity spectra, and the plasma and relaxation frequencies of conduction electrons were determined.