Surface Superconductivity Research Articles

Lifetime of edge modes at rough surfaces of chiral superconductors

Lifetime of edge modes at rough surfaces of chiral superconductors

Surface superconductivity in the topological Weyl semimetal t-PtBi2

Topological superconductivity is a promising concept for generating fault-tolerant qubits. Early experimental studies looked at hybrid systems and doped intrinsic topological or superconducting materials at very low temperatures. However, higher critical temperatures are indispensable for technological exploitation. Recent angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy results have revealed that superconductivity in the type-I Weyl semimetal—trigonal PtBi2 (t-PtBi2)—is located at the Fermi-arc surface states, which renders the material a potential candidate for intrinsic topological superconductivity. Here we show, using scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy, that t-PtBi2 presents surface superconductivity at elevated temperatures (5 K). The gap magnitude is elusive: it is spatially inhomogeneous and spans from 0 to 20 meV. In particular, the large gap value and the shape of the quasiparticle excitation spectrum resemble the phenomenology of high-Tc superconductors. To our knowledge, this is the largest superconducting gap so far measured in a topological material. Moreover, we show that the superconducting state at 5 K persists in magnetic fields up to 12 T.

Fermi Arcs Dominating the Electronic Surface Properties of Trigonal PtBi2

AbstractMaterials combining topologically non‐trivial behavior and superconductivity offer a potential route for quantum computation. However, the set of available materials intrinsically realizing these properties are scarce. Recently, surface superconductivity has been reported in PtBi2 in its trigonal phase and an inherent Weyl semimetal phase has been predicted. Here, based on scanning tunneling microscopy experiments, the signature of topological Fermi arcs are revealed in the normal state patterns of the quasiparticle interference. It is shown that the scattering between Fermi arcs dominates the interference spectra, providing conclusive evidence for the relevance of Weyl fermiology for the surface electronic properties of trigonal PtBi2.

Josephson Diode Effect in Parallel-Coupled Double-Quantum Dots Connected to Unalike Majorana Nanowires.

We study theoretically the Josephson diode effect (JDE) when realized in a system composed of parallel-coupled double-quantum dots (DQDs) sandwiched between two semiconductor nanowires deposited on an s-wave superconductor surface. Due to the combined effects of proximity-induced superconductivity, strong Rashba spin-orbit interaction, and the Zeeman splitting inside the nanowires, a pair of Majorana bound states (MBSs) may possibly emerge at opposite ends of each nanowire. Different phase factors arising from the superconductor substrate can be generated in the coupling amplitudes between the DQDs and MBSs prepared at the left and right nanowires, and this will result in the Josephson current. We find that the critical Josephson currents in positive and negative directions are different from each other in amplitude within an oscillation period with respect to the magnetic flux penetrating through the system, a phenomenon known as the JDE. It arises from the quantum interference effect in this double-path device, and it can hardly occur in the system of one QD coupled to MBSs. Our results also show that the diode efficiency can reach up to 50%, but this depends on the overlap amplitude between the MBSs, as well as the energy levels of the DQDs adjustable by gate voltages. The present model is realizable within current nanofabrication technologies and may find practical use in the interdisciplinary field of Majorana and Josephson physics.

Emergence of surface superconductivity through interference in proximitized topological insulators

Emergence of surface superconductivity through interference in proximitized topological insulators

Pressure-Dependent Superconductivity in Topological Dirac Semimetal SrCuBi.

The discovery of superconducting states in diverse topological materials generates a burgeoning interest to explore a topological superconductor and to realize a fault-tolerant topological quantum computation. A variety of routes to realize topological superconductors are proposed, and many types of topological materials are developed. However, a pristine topological material with a natural superconducting state is relatively rare as compared to topological materials with artificially induced superconductivity. Here, it is reported that the planar honeycomb structured 3D topological Dirac semimetal (TDS) SrCuBi, which is the Zintl phase, shows a natural surface superconductivity at 2.1 K under ambient pressure. It is clearly identified from theoretical calculations that a topologically nontrivial state exists on the (100) surface. Further, its superconducting transition temperature (Tc) increases by applying pressure, exhibiting a maximal Tc of 4.8 K under 6.2GPa. It is believed that this discovery opens up a new possibility of exploring exotic Majorana fermions at the surface of 3D TDS superconductors.

Modeling Wave Packet Dynamics and Exploring Applications: A Comprehensive Guide to the Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation

The nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation stands as a cornerstone model for exploring the intricate behavior of weakly nonlinear, quasi-monochromatic wave packets in dispersive media. Its reach extends across diverse physical domains, from surface gravity waves to the captivating realm of Bose–Einstein condensates. This article delves into the dual facets of the NLS equation: its capacity for modeling wave packet dynamics and its remarkable breadth of applications. We illuminate the derivation of the NLS equation through both heuristic and multiple-scale approaches, underscoring how distinct interpretations of physical variables and governing equations give rise to varied wave packet dynamics and tailored values for dispersive and nonlinear coefficients. To showcase its versatility, we present an overview of the NLS equation’s compelling applications in four research frontiers: nonlinear optics, surface gravity waves, superconductivity, and Bose–Einstein condensates. This exploration reveals the NLS equation as a powerful tool for unifying and understanding a vast spectrum of physical phenomena.

Impact of Correlated Disorder on Surface Superconductivity: Revealing the Robustness of the Surface Ordering Effect.

Surface superconductivity, wherein electron pairing occurs at material surfaces or interfaces, has attracted a remarkable amount of attention since its discovery. Recent theoretical predictions have unveiled increased critical temperatures, especially at the surfaces of certain compounds and/or structures. The notion of "surface ordering" has been advanced to elucidate this phenomenon. Employing the framework of self-consistent Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations and a model incorporating correlated disorder, our study demonstrates the persistence of the surface ordering effect in the presence of weak to moderate bulk disorder. Intriguingly, our findings indicate that under moderate disorder conditions the surface critical temperature can be further increased, depending on the intensity and correlation of the disorder.

Ac Hall Effect and Photon Drag of Superconducting Condensates.

We suggest a theoretical description of the photogalvanic phenomena arising in superconducting condensates in the field of electromagnetic wave. The ac Hall effect and photon drag are shown to originate from the second-order nonlinear response of superconducting carriers caused by the suppression of their concentration due to the combined influence of the electron-hole asymmetry and charge imbalance generated by the incident electromagnetic wave. Starting from the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau theory with the complex relaxation constant, we develop a phenomenological description of these phenomena and investigate the resulting behavior of the dc supercurrent and second harmonic induced by microwave radiation incident on a superconductor surface.

Dirac surface states, multiorbital dimerization, and superconductivity in Nb- and Ta-based A15 compounds

Dirac surface states, multiorbital dimerization, and superconductivity in Nb- and Ta-based A15 compounds

Characterization of linear motor flux pump using H-formulation

H-formulation is an effective method for electromagnetic simulation analysis of superconductors. This paper innovatively uses H-formulation to simulate and analyze the operation characteristics of magnetic flux pump operating in linear-motor pattern. Via COMSOL Multiphysics, this paper establishes a two-dimensional electrical equipment simulation model that comprehensively compares excitation conditions of triangular and trapezoidal current waves to investigate the effects of the working excitation waveforms’ frequency and amplitude on the operating features of the equipment. The following operation control laws are revealed: the current amplitude has a linear control effect on the mean value of superconductor surface electric field and the average amount of air-slot density of magnetic flux, the current frequency has no effect on the air-gap magnetic field waveform, and the regulation effect of the excitation frequency on the average value of superconductor surface strength of electric field is related to the waveforms. Finally, the equivalent circuit of the pumping model is established, and two interrelated L-R equivalent circuits are designed by quadratic substitution, and the final pumping current reaches 43A.

Anisotropic multiband superconductivity in 2M−WS2 probed by controlled disorder

The intrinsically superconducting Dirac semimetal 2M−WS2 is a promising candidate for realizing proximity-induced topological superconductivity in its protected surface states. A precise characterization of the bulk superconducting state is essential to understand the nature of surface superconductivity in the system. Here, we report a detailed experimental study of the temperature-dependent London penetration depth, λ(T), the upper critical field, Hc2(T), and the effects of nonmagnetic disorder on these quantities, as well as on the superconducting transition temperature Tc in single crystals of 2M−WS2. We observe a power-law variation of λ(T)∝T3 at temperatures below 0.35Tc. Nonmagnetic pointlike disorder induced by 2.5 MeV electron irradiation at various doses results in a significant suppression of Tc. These observations are markedly different from expectations for a fully gapped isotropic s−wave superconductor. Together with the substantial increase of slope, dHc2/dT|T=Tc, with increasing disorder, our results suggest a strongly anisotropic s++ multiband superconducting state. These results have direct consequences for the expected proximity-induced superconductivity of the topological surface states. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Topological superconducting phase competition in magnetic atomic rings

A magnetic flux threading through magnetic atomic rings can induce topological superconductivity. It provides a novel approach to achieving low-dimensional (2D) topological superconductivity, which requires neither spin-orbit coupling nor helical magnetic order. In this paper, we introduce a topological superconductor model by depositing a ferromagnetic atomic ring on the surface of a 2D s-wave superconductor. When the moments of the magnetic atoms are perpendicular to the external magnetic field, a magnetic flux can induce topological superconductivity. Considering practical experiments, because the magnetic atomic chain breaks the inversion symmetry of the surface of the 2D substrate, the Rashba spin-orbit coupling (SOC) is introduced, leading to the appearance of helical magnetic order in the atomic chain. According to previous researches, this helical magnetic order ensures that the magnetic moments of the ring are perpendicular to the external magnetic field, and the patch angle of neighbor moment of the helical order is proportional to the strength of the SOC. However, the helical order or Rashba SOC may introduce topological superconductivity on their own. It is meaningful to investigate the influence of the effects of the Rashba SOC and helical magnetic order on the flux induced topological superconducting states. We find that the Rashba SOC has a disruptive effect on the existing topological state, while helical magnetic order merely shifts its transition position in the parameter space. Therefore, when selecting materials for experiment, it is recommended to choose materials with lower Rashba SOC strength.

Surface inducing high-temperature superconductivity in layered metal carborides Li2BC3 and LiBC by metallizing σ electrons.

Metallizing σ electrons provides a promising route to design high-temperature superconducting materials, such as MgB2 and high-pressure hydrides. Here, we focus on two MgB2-like layered carborides Li2BC3 and LiBC; their bulk does not have superconductivity because the B-C σ states are far away from the Fermi level (EF), however, based on first-principles calculations, we found that when their bulk systems are cleaved into surfaces with B-C termination, high Tc of ∼80 K could be observed in the exposed B-C layer on the surfaces. Detailed analysis reveals that surface symmetry reduction, due to lattice periodic breaking, not only introduces hole self-doping into surface B-C layers and shifts the σ-bonding states towards the EF - associated with emergent large electronic occupation, but also makes in-plane stretching modes on the surface layer experience significant softness. The enhanced σ states and softened phonon modes work to produce strong coupling, thus yielding high-Tc surface superconductivity, which distinctly differs from the superconducting features of the MgB2 film, which generates phonon stiffness accompanied by suppressed superconductivity. Our findings undoubtedly provide a novel platform to realize high-Tc surface superconductivity, and also clearly elucidate the microscopic mechanism of surface-enhanced superconductivity in favor of creating more high-Tc surface superconductors among MgB2-like layered materials.

Surface superconductor-insulator transition: Reduction of the critical electric field by Hartree-Fock potential

Recently, a surface superconductor-insulator transition has been predicted for a bulk superconductor in an electric field applied perpendicular to its surface. The related calculations were performed within a one-dimensional Hubbard model by numerically solving the Bogoliubov-de Gennes (BdG) equations without the Hartree-Fock (HF) interaction potential. The phase diagram of the surface superconducting, metallic, and insulating states was obtained as dependent on the electric field and temperature. This diagram was found to be in agreement with experimental results reported previously for (Li,Fe)OHFeSe thin flakes. In the present work, by taking into account the HF potential, we find that the latter acts as a kind of an extra electrostatic potential that enhances the electric-field effects on the surface states. The qualitative features of the phase diagram remain the same but the surface superconductor-insulator transition occurs at significantly lower electric fields, which supports prospects of its experimental observation in bulk samples.

Electronic structure of thin epitaxial Be films on Si(111)

We show that single crystal films of Be can be grown on Si(111) substrates, exhibiting nearly identical surface electronic bandstructure to that found on the pristine Be(0001) surface of bulk Be. Segregation of silicon atoms into the film causes strong doping of the surface states. For sufficiently thin films, the quality and uniformity are sufficient to observe well-defined quantum well states. In addition to making single-crystal beryllium more accessible for future studies, thin film growth of beryllium on high-resistivity silicon substrates may open up new possibilities to investigate earlier suggestions of surface superconductivity.

Compact vacuum-gap transmon qubits: Selective and sensitive probes for superconductor surface losses

Compact vacuum-gap transmon qubits: Selective and sensitive probes for superconductor surface losses

Tailoring of interference-induced surface superconductivity by an applied electric field

Tailoring of interference-induced surface superconductivity by an applied electric field

Enhanced Surface Superconductivity of Niobium by Zirconium Doping

Enhanced Surface Superconductivity of Niobium by Zirconium Doping

Anomalous Diamagnetic Torque Signals in Topological Nodal-Line Semimetal NaAlSi

In topological materials, peculiar surface states protected by crystal symmetries have attracted great interest because of the possibility of unprecedented correlation with superconductivity. A topological nodal-line semimetal with a layered structure, NaAlSi shows moderately anisotropic bulk superconductivity with Tc ≅ 7.0 K. The magnetic torque curves as a function of the field angle in the superconducting state are found to show two distinct diamagnetic signals; a large broad signal arising from bulk superconductivity and a small sharp signal observed only in magnetic fields nearly parallel to the layers. The upper critical field of the bulk superconductivity follows an anisotropic 3D model with a small anisotropic factor of ∼4. A possible scenario is that the sharp signal is due to highly 2D superconductivity with a similar Tc, whose thickness is only several times of the c-axis lattice constant (0.736 nm). The band structure calculations show the presence of large Fermi lines on the (001) plane, mainly formed by the surface Si p bands. The sharp diamagnetic torque signal could arise from the (001) surface superconductivity.