Magnetic Quantum Criticality inside the Superconducting State Revealed by Penetration Depth Scaling with Local
Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 096001 – Published 26 August, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/69mf-6r8f
Abstract
We demonstrate a magnetic quantum critical point embedded within the superconducting state of Zn-doped , revealed by a pronounced peak in the magnetic penetration depth at zero temperature . Using scanning superconducting quantum interference device microscopy, we determine the local superconducting transition temperature and . By parametrizing in terms of the local rather than nominal Zn substitution, we circumvent the ambiguity caused by doping inhomogeneity and enable a more precise extraction of the critical exponent. The extracted effective exponent exceeds the clean spin-density-wave value, consistent with a disorder-modified quantum critical regime. The enhancement of reflects the suppression of the superfluid stiffness and is consistent with critical scaling. Our approach provides a route to uncover underlying quantum critical behavior obscured by inhomogeneity in unconventional superconductors.