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Signatures of unconventional 2D superconductivity in a bulk van der Waals superlattice

ORAL ยท Invited

Abstract

Two-dimensional systems are expected to support a variety of exotic superconducting states, however, these states can be acutely sensitive to disorder. While two-dimensional (2D) superconductors are readily available by thin-film growth techniques or mechanical exfoliation, it remains a challenge to design and realize clean 2D superconductors, presenting an impediment to realizing these unusual states. Here we report on a bulk van der Waals superlattice Ba6Nb11S28 consisting of the transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) superconductor H-NbS2 and a commensurate spacer layer Ba3NbS5 that yields enhanced two-dimensionality, high electronic quality, and clean-limit 2D superconductivity. With application of magnetic field parallel to the superconducting layers we observe long-anticipated signatures of 2D finite-momentum superconductivity. In parallel, analysis of quantum oscillations in the metallic state reveals topological bands with π Berry phase originating from commensuration between the TMD and spacer layer, suggesting a potential coexistence of topological and finite-momentum superconductivity. Finally, we comment on prospects of translating this superlattice construction to TMDs beyond H-NbS2 towards the realization of other unconventional 2D electronic states.

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Publication: A. Devarakonda, H. Inoue, S. Fang, C. Ozsoy-Keskinbora, T. Suzuki, M. Kriener, L. Fu, E. Kaxiras, D. C. Bell, J. G. Checkelsky, "Clean 2D superconductivity in a bulk van der Waals superlattice". Science. 370, 231โ€“236 (2020).<br><br>A. Devarakonda, T. Suzuki, S. Fang, J. Zhu, D. Graf, M. Kriener, L. Fu, E. Kaxiras, J. G. Checkelsky, "Signatures of bosonic Landau levels in a finite-momentum superconductor". Nature. 599, 51โ€“56 (2021).

Presenters

  • Aravind Devarakonda

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology MI, Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT

Authors

  • Aravind Devarakonda

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology MI, Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT