Growth and characterization of epitaxial SmB6 thin films

ORAL

Abstract

Samarium hexaboride (SmB$_{\mathrm{6}})$ is a topological Kondo insulator, and it is one of the most promising candidates for exploring exotic quantum states based on the topological surface state. We have previously observed the superconducting proximity effect in the surface state of SmB$_{\mathrm{6}}$ at in-situ formed superconductor/SmB$_{\mathrm{6}}$ thin film bilayer interfaces [Phys. Rev. X. 6, 031031 (2016)]. Here we present structural and electrical characteristics of epitaxial SmB$_{\mathrm{6}}$ thin films prepared by co-sputtering of SmB$_{\mathrm{6}}$ and B targets. The stoichiometry in SmB$_{\mathrm{6}}$ thin film is carefully examined by WDS measurements. XRD phi-scan measurement reveals the epitaxial relation of SmB$_{\mathrm{6}}$ thin film and substrate. Epitaxial SmB$_{\mathrm{6}}$ thin films shows low-temperature resistance plateau attributed to the emergence of the surface state, consistent with many previous reports. We also discuss current research efforts with epitaxial SmB$_{\mathrm{6}}$ thin films to realize topological superconductivity.

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Authors

  • Seunghun Lee

    CNAM, Dept. Phys. and MSE, University of Maryland

  • Xiaohang Zhang

    Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20424, CNAM, Dept. Phys. and MSE, University of Maryland

  • Drew Stasak

    Dept. MSE, University of Maryland

  • Iftekhar H. M. Jaim

    CNAM, Dept. Phys. and MSE, University of Maryland

  • Sheng Dai

    Dept. Chem. Eng. and Mater. Sci., University of California-Irvine

  • Xiaoqing Pan

    National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China, Detp. Chem. Eng. and Mater. Sci., and Dept. Phys. and Astro., University of California-Irvine

  • James Williams

    Univ of Maryland-College Park, University of Maryland, CNAM, Dept. Phys., University of Maryland

  • Richard L. Greene

    CNAM, Dept. Phys., University of Maryland

  • Ichiro Takeuchi

    CNAM, Dept. Phys. and MSE, University of Maryland