Onset of a Two-Dimensional Superconducting Phase in a Topological-Insulator-Normal-Metal Bi_{1-x}Sb_{x}/Pt Junction Fabricated by Ion-Beam Techniques.

Abstract

Inducing superconductivity in a topological insulator can lead to novel quantum effects. However, experimental approaches to turn a topological insulator into a superconductor are limited. Here, we report on superconductivity in topological insulator Bi_{0.91}Sb_{0.09} induced via focused ion-beam deposition of a Pt thin film. The superconducting phase exhibits a Berezinski-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition, demonstrative of its two-dimensional character. From the in-plane upper critical field measurements, we estimate the superconducting thickness to be ∼17 nm for a 5.5-μm-thick sample. Our results provide evidence that the interface superconductivity could originate from the surface states of Bi_{0.91}Sb_{0.09}.