Superconductivity in CuxBi2Se3 and its implications for pairing in the undoped topological insulator

Multiple Chiral Majorana Fermion Modes and Quantum Transport

The chiral Majorana fermion is a massless self-conjugate fermionic particle that could arise as the quasiparticle edge state of a two-dimensonal topological state of matter. Here we propose a new platform for a chiral topological superconductor (TSC) in two dimensions with multiple N chiral Majorana fermions from a quantized anomalous Hall insulator in proximity to an s-wave superconductor with nontrivial band topology. A concrete example is that a N=3 chiral TSC is realized by coupling a magnetic topological insulator to the ion-based superconductor such as FeTe_{0.55}Se_{0.45}. We further propose the electrical and thermal transport experiments to detect the Majorana nature of three chiral edge fermions. A smoking gun signature is that the two-terminal electrical conductance of a quantized anomalous Hall-TSC junction obeys a unique distribution averaged to (2/3)e^{2}/h, which is due to the random edge mode mixing of chiral Majorana fermions and is distinguished from possible trivial explanations. The homogenous system proposed here provides an ideal platform for studying the exotic physics of chiral Majorana fermions.

Nematic Superconductivity in Doped Bi2Se3 Topological Superconductors

Nematic superconductivity is a novel class of superconductivity characterized by spontaneous rotational-symmetry breaking in the superconducting gap amplitude and/or Cooper-pair spins with respect to the underlying lattice symmetry. Doped Bi 2 Se 3 superconductors, such as Cu x Bi 2 Se 3 , Sr x Bi 2 Se 3 , and Nb x Bi 2 Se 3 , are considered as candidates for nematic superconductors, in addition to the anticipated topological superconductivity. Recently, various bulk probes, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, specific heat, magnetotransport, magnetic torque, and magnetization, have consistently revealed two-fold symmetric behavior in their in-plane magnetic-field-direction dependence, although the underlying crystal lattice possesses three-fold rotational symmetry. More recently, nematic superconductivity was directly visualized using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. In this short review, we summarize the current research on the nematic behavior in superconducting doped Bi 2 Se 3 systems and discuss issues and perspectives.

Ultrathin Bismuth Film on High-Temperature Cuprate Superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ as a Candidate of a Topological Superconductor

One of the key challenges in condensed-matter physics is to establish a topological superconductor that hosts exotic Majorana fermions. Although various heterostructures consisting of conventional BCS (Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer) superconductors as well as doped topological insulators were intensively investigated, no conclusive evidence for Majorana fermions has been provided. This is mainly because of their very low superconducting transition temperatures ( T_c) and small superconducting-gap magnitude. Here, we report a possible realization of topological superconductivity at very high temperatures in a hybrid of Bi(110) ultrathin film and copper oxide superconductor Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+δ (Bi2212). Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy, we found that three-bilayer-thick Bi(110) on Bi2212 exhibits a proximity-effect-induced s-wave energy gap as large as 7.5 meV which persists up to T_c of Bi2212 (85 K). The small Fermi energy and strong spin-orbit coupling of Bi(110), together with the large pairing gap and high T_c, make this system a prime candidate for exploring stable Majorana fermions at very high temperatures.

Superconductivity in Potassium-Intercalated T d-WTe2

To realize a topological superconductor is one of the most attracting topics because of its great potential in quantum computation. In this study, we successfully intercalate potassium (K) into the van der Waals gap of type II Weyl semimetal WTe₂ and discover the superconducting state in K _xWTe₂ through both electrical transport and scanning tunneling spectroscopy measurements. The superconductivity exhibits an evident anisotropic behavior. Moreover, we also uncover the coexistence of superconductivity and the positive magnetoresistance state. Structural analysis substantiates the negligible lattice expansion induced by the intercalation, therefore suggesting K-intercalated WTe₂ still hosts the topological nontrivial state. These results indicate that the K-intercalated WTe₂ may be a promising candidate to explore the topological superconductor.

Probing functional self-assembled molecular architectures with solution/solid scanning tunnelling microscopy

Over the past two decades, solution/solid STM has made clear contributions to our fundamental understanding of the thermodynamic and kinetic processes that occur in molecular self-assembly at surfaces. As the field matures, we provide an overview of how solution/solid STM is emerging as a tool to elucidate and guide the use of self-assembled molecular systems in practical applications, focusing on small molecule device engineering, molecular recognition and sensing and electronic modification of 2D materials.

Evidence for weak collective pinning and δl pinning in topological superconductor Cu x Bi2Se3

We investigated the vortex pinning behavior in the single crystal topological superconductor Cu_0.10Bi₂Se₃ with a pronounced anisotropic peak effect. A weak collective pinning regime is clarified from the power-law behavior in [Formula: see text] and the small critical current density ratio of [Formula: see text] ~ 10^-5 ([Formula: see text] is the critical current density, [Formula: see text] is the depairing current density). The spatial variation of the charge-carrier mean free path induced pinning is evidenced and probably results from the well-defined atomic defects. Within the framework of collective pinning theory, we computed the values of the correlated length and volume at 1.8 K, which start declining prior to the onset field of the peak effect [Formula: see text], demonstrating the vortex lattices already suffered a preferential collapse ahead of the peak effect turns up. Thus, the peak effect can be understood by elastic moduli softening near the upper critical field [Formula: see text]. We suggest Cu _x Bi₂Se₃ is a prototype topological material for investigating the vortex pinning dynamics associated with the peak effect phenomenon.

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

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}.

High-Pressure Synthesis: A New Frontier in the Search for Next-Generation Intermetallic Compounds

The application of high pressure adds an additional dimension to chemical phase space, opening up an unexplored expanse bearing tremendous potential for discovery. Our continuing mission is to explore this new frontier, to seek out new intermetallic compounds and new solid-state bonding. Simple binary elemental systems, in particular those composed of pairs of elements that do not form compounds under ambient pressures, can yield novel crystalline phases under compression. Thus, high-pressure synthesis can provide access to solid-state compounds that cannot be formed with traditional thermodynamic methods. An emerging approach for the rapid exploration of composition-pressure-temperature phase space is the use of hand-held high-pressure devices known as diamond anvil cells (DACs). These devices were originally developed by geologists as a way to study minerals under conditions relevant to the earth's interior, but they possess a host of capabilities that make them ideal for high-pressure solid-state synthesis. Of particular importance, they offer the capability for in situ spectroscopic and diffraction measurements, thereby enabling continuous reaction monitoring-a powerful capability for solid-state synthesis. In this Account, we provide an overview of this approach in the context of research we have performed in the pursuit of new intermetallic compounds. We start with a discussion of pressure as a fundamental experimental variable that enables the formation of intermetallic compounds that cannot be isolated under ambient conditions. We then introduce the DAC apparatus and explain how it can be repurposed for use as a synthetic vessel with which to explore this phase space, going to extremes of pressure where no chemist has gone before. The remainder of the Account is devoted to discussions of recent experiments we have performed with this approach that have led to the discovery of novel intermetallic compounds in the Fe-Bi, Cu-Bi, and Ni-Bi systems, with a focus on the cutting-edge methods that made these experiments possible. We review the use of in situ laser heating at high pressure, which led to the discovery of FeBi₂, the first binary intermetallic compound in the Fe-Bi system. Our work in the Cu-Bi system is described in the context of in situ experiments carried out in the DAC to map its high-pressure phase space, which revealed two intermetallic phases (Cu₁₁Bi₇ and CuBi). Finally, we review the discovery of β-NiBi, a novel high-pressure phase in the Ni-Bi system. We hope that this Account will inspire the next generation of solid-state chemists to boldly explore high-pressure phase space.

Superconductivity with twofold symmetry in Bi2Te3/FeTe0.55Se0.45 heterostructures

Topological superconductors are an interesting and frontier topic in condensed matter physics. In the superconducting state, an order parameter will be established with the basic or subsidiary symmetry of the crystalline lattice. In doped Bi₂Se₃ or Bi₂Te₃ with a basic threefold symmetry, it was predicted, however, that bulk superconductivity with order parameters of twofold symmetry may exist because of the presence of odd parity. We report the proximity effect-induced superconductivity in the Bi₂Te₃ thin film on top of the iron-based superconductor FeTe_0.55Se_0.45. By using the quasiparticle interference technique, we demonstrate clear evidence of twofold symmetry of the superconducting gap. The gap minimum is along one of the main crystalline axes following the so-called Δ_4y notation. This is also accompanied by the elongated vortex shape mapped out by the density of states within the superconducting gap. Our results provide an easily accessible platform for investigating possible topological superconductivity in Bi₂Te₃/FeTe_0.55Se_0.45 heterostructures.

Superconducting and normal-state anisotropy of the doped topological insulator Sr0.1Bi2Se3

Sr_xBi₂Se₃ and the related compounds Cu_xBi₂Se₃ and Nb_xBi₂Se₃ have attracted considerable interest, as these materials may be realizations of unconventional topological superconductors. Superconductivity with T_c ~3 K in Sr_xBi₂Se₃ arises upon intercalation of Sr into the layered topological insulator Bi₂Se₃. Here we elucidate the anisotropy of the normal and superconducting state of Sr_0.1Bi₂Se₃ with angular dependent magnetotransport and thermodynamic measurements. High resolution x-ray diffraction studies underline the high crystalline quality of the samples. We demonstrate that the normal state electronic and magnetic properties of Sr_0.1Bi₂Se₃ are isotropic in the basal plane while we observe a large two-fold in-plane anisotropy of the upper critical field in the superconducting state. Our results support the recently proposed odd-parity nematic state characterized by a nodal gap of Eu symmetry in Sr_xBi₂Se₃.

Mechanism for Unconventional Superconductivity in the Hole-Doped Rashba-Hubbard Model

Motivated by the recent resurgence of interest in topological superconductivity, we study superconducting pairing instabilities of the hole-doped Rashba-Hubbard model on the square lattice with first- and second-neighbor hopping. Within the random phase approximation, we compute the spin-fluctuation-mediated pairing interactions as a function of filling. Rashba spin-orbit coupling splits the spin degeneracies of the bands, which leads to two van Hove singularities at two different fillings. We find that, for a doping region in between these two van Hove fillings, the spin fluctuations exhibit a strong ferromagnetic contribution. Because of these ferromagnetic fluctuations, there is a strong tendency towards spin-triplet f-wave pairing within this filling region, resulting in a topologically nontrivial phase.

Pressure induced superconductivity bordering a charge-density-wave state in NbTe4 with strong spin-orbit coupling

Transition-metal chalcogenides host various phases of matter, such as charge-density wave (CDW), superconductors, and topological insulators or semimetals. Superconductivity and its competition with CDW in low-dimensional compounds have attracted much interest and stimulated considerable research. Here we report pressure induced superconductivity in a strong spin-orbit (SO) coupled quasi-one-dimensional (1D) transition-metal chalcogenide NbTe₄, which is a CDW material under ambient pressure. With increasing pressure, the CDW transition temperature is gradually suppressed, and superconducting transition, which is fingerprinted by a steep resistivity drop, emerges at pressures above 12.4 GPa. Under pressure p = 69 GPa, zero resistance is detected with a transition temperature T_c = 2.2 K and an upper critical field μ₀H_c2 = 2 T. We also find large magnetoresistance (MR) up to 102% at low temperatures, which is a distinct feature differentiating NbTe₄ from other conventional CDW materials.

Multi-band magnetotransport in exfoliated thin films of Cu x Bi2Se3

We report magnetotransport studies in thin (<100 nm) exfoliated films of Cu _x Bi₂Se₃ and we detect an unusual electronic transition at low temperatures. Bulk crystals show weak superconductivity with [Formula: see text] K and a possible electronic phase transition around 200 K. Following exfoliation, superconductivity is supressed and a strongly temperature dependent multi-band conductivity is observed for T  <  30 K. This transition between competing conducting channels may be enhanced due to the presence of electronic ordering, and could be affected by the presence of an effective internal stress due to Cu intercalation. By fitting to the weak antilocalisation conductivity correction at low magnetic fields we confirm that the low temperature regime maintains a quantum phase coherence length [Formula: see text] nm indicating the presence of topologically protected surface states.

Fermiology and Superconductivity of Topological Surface States in PdTe_{2}

We study the low-energy surface electronic structure of the transition-metal dichalcogenide superconductor PdTe_{2} by spin- and angle-resolved photoemission, scanning tunneling microscopy, and density-functional theory-based supercell calculations. Comparing PdTe_{2} with its sister compound PtSe_{2}, we demonstrate how enhanced interlayer hopping in the Te-based material drives a band inversion within the antibonding p-orbital manifold well above the Fermi level. We show how this mediates spin-polarized topological surface states which form rich multivalley Fermi surfaces with complex spin textures. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy reveals type-II superconductivity at the surface, and moreover shows no evidence for an unconventional component of its superconducting order parameter, despite the presence of topological surface states.

Magnetotransport study of topological superconductor Cu0.10Bi2Se3 single crystal

We report a magnetotransport study of vortex-pinning in Cu_0.10Bi₂Se₃ single crystal. The sample is demonstrated to be in clean limit and absent of Pauli spin-limiting effect. Interestingly, the resistivity versus magnetic field shows an anomalously pronounced increase when approaching the superconducting-normal state boundary for both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] configurations. We have investigated the flux-flowing behavior under various magnetic fields and temperatures, enabling us to establish its anisotropic vortex phase diagram. Our results suggest the Cu_0.10Bi₂Se₃ can be served as one unique material for exploring exotic surface vortex states in topological superconductors.

Composition-Dependent Aspect Ratio and Photoconductivity of Ternary (BixSb1-x)2S3 Nanorods

The chemical composition, size and shape, and surface engineering play key roles in the performance of electronic, optoelectronic, and energy devices. V₂VI₃ (V = Sb, Bi; VI = S, Se) group materials are actively studied in these fields. In this paper, we introduce a colloidal method to synthesize uniform ternary (Bi_xSb_1-x)₂S₃ (0 < x < 1) nanorods. These nanorods show composition-dependent aspect ratios, enabling their composition, size, and shape control by varying Bi/Sb precursor ratios. It is found that the surface passivation by various thiols (L-SH) efficiently enhances the photoconductivity and optical responsive capability of (Bi_xSb_1-x)₂S₃ nanorods when used as active materials in indium tin oxide (ITO)/(Bi_xSb_1-x)₂S₃/ITO optoelectronic devices. Meanwhile, the increase of Sb content causes a gradual deterioration of photoconductivity of thiol-passivated nanorods. We propose that the thiol passivation is able to reduce the number of S vacancies, which act as the recombination centers (trapped states) for photogenerated electrons and holes, and thus boosts the carrier transport in (Bi_xSb_1-x)₂S₃ nanorods, and in particular that the composition-related conductivity deterioration is attributed to the increase of unpassivated S vacancies and surface oxidation due to the rise of Sb content.

Growth and structural characterisation of Sr-doped Bi2Se3 thin films

We grew Sr-doped Bi2Se3 thin films using molecular beam epitaxy, and their high quality was verified using transmission electron microscopy. The thin films exhibited weak antilocalisation behaviours in magneto-resistance measurements, a typical transport signature of topological insulators, but were not superconducting. In addition, the carrier densities of the non-superconducting thin-film samples were similar to those of their superconducting bulk counterparts. Atom-by-atom energy-dispersive X-ray mapping also revealed similar Sr doping structures in the bulk and thin-film samples. Because no qualitative distinction between non-superconducting thin-film and superconducting bulk samples had been found, we turned to a quantitative statistical analysis, which uncovered a key structural difference between the bulk and thin-film samples. The separation between Bi layers in the same quintuple layer was compressed whereas that between the closest Bi layers in two neighbouring quintuple layers was expanded in the thin-film samples compared with the separations in pristine bulk Bi2Se3. In marked contrast, the corresponding changes in the bulk doped samples showed opposite trends. These differences may provide insight into the absence of superconductivity in doped topological insulator thin films.

Chemical Intercalation of Topological Insulator Grid Nanostructures for High-Performance Transparent Electrodes

2D layered nanomaterials with strong covalent bonding within layers and weak van der Waals' interactions between layers have attracted tremendous interest in recent years. Layered Bi₂ Se₃ is a representative topological insulator material in this family, which holds promise for exploration of the fundamental physics and practical applications such as transparent electrode. Here, a simultaneous enhancement of optical transmittancy and electrical conductivity in Bi₂ Se₃ grid electrodes by copper-atom intercalation is presented. These Cu-intercalated 2D Bi₂ Se₃ electrodes exhibit high uniformity over large area and excellent stabilities to environmental perturbations, such as UV light, thermal fluctuation, and mechanical distortion. Remarkably, by intercalating a high density of copper atoms, the electrical and optical performance of Bi₂ Se₃ grid electrodes is greatly improved from 900 Ω sq^-1 , 68% to 300 Ω sq^-1 , 82% in the visible range; with better performance of 300 Ω sq^-1 , 91% achieved in the near-infrared region. These unique properties of Cu-intercalated topological insulator grid nanostructures may boost their potential applications in high-performance optoelectronics, especially for infrared optoelectronic devices.

Nematic Skyrmions in Odd-Parity Superconductors

We study topological excitations in two-component nematic superconductors, with a particular focus on Cu_{x}Bi_{2}Se_{3} as a candidate material. We find that the lowest-energy topological excitations are coreless vortices: a bound state of two spatially separated half-quantum vortices. These objects are nematic Skyrmions, since they are characterized by an additional topological charge. The inter-Skyrmion forces are dipolar in this model, i.e., attractive for certain relative orientations of the Skyrmions, hence forming multi-Skyrmion bound states.

Highly tunable time-reversal-invariant topological superconductivity in topological insulator thin films

We study time-reversal-invariant topological superconductivity in topological insulator (TI) thin films including both intra- and inter-surface pairing. We find a nontrivial topology for multiple different configurations. For intra-surface pairing a π-phase difference between the intra-surface pairing states is required. We show that in this case the resulting topological phase is highly tunable by both an applied electric field and varied chemical potential. For spin-singlet inter-surface pairing, a sign-changing tunnel coupling present in many TI thin films is needed, and again, the topology can be tuned by electric field or doping. Notably, we find that the required inter-surface pairing strength for achieving nontrivial topology can still be subdominant compared to the intra-surface pairing. Finally, for spin-triplet inter-surface pairing we prove that the superconducting state is always topological nontrivial. We show that thin films of Cu-doped Bi₂Se₃ will likely host such spin-triplet inter-surface pairing. Taken together, these results show that time-reversal-invariant topological superconductivity is common in superconducting TI thin films and that the topological phase and its Kramers pair of Majorana edge modes is highly tunable with an applied electric field and varied chemical potential.

Sea of Majorana fermions from pseudo-scalar superconducting order in three dimensional Dirac materials

We suggest that spin-singlet pseudo-scalar s-wave superconducting pairing creates a two dimensional sea of Majorana fermions on the surface of three dimensional Dirac superconductors (3DDS). This pseudo-scalar superconducting order parameter Δ₅, in competition with scalar Dirac mass m, leads to a topological phase transition due to band inversion. We find that a perfect Andreev-Klein reflection is guaranteed by presence of anomalous Andreev reflection along with the conventional one. This effect manifests itself in a resonant peak of the differential conductance. Furthermore, Josephson current of the Δ₅|m|Δ₅ junction in the presence of anomalous Andreev reflection is fractional with 4π period. Our finding suggests another search area for condensed matter realization of Majorana fermions which are beyond the vortex-core of p-wave superconductors. The required Δ₅ pairing can be extrinsically induced by a conventional s-wave superconductor into a three dimensional Dirac material (3DDM).

Proximity-effect-induced Superconducting Gap in Topological Surface States - A Point Contact Spectroscopy Study of NbSe2/Bi2Se3 Superconductor-Topological Insulator Heterostructures

Proximity-effect-induced superconductivity was studied in epitaxial topological insulator Bi2Se3 thin films grown on superconducting NbSe2 single crystals. A point contact spectroscopy (PCS) method was used at low temperatures down to 40 mK. An induced superconducting gap in Bi2Se3 was observed in the spectra, which decreased with increasing Bi2Se3 layer thickness, consistent with the proximity effect in the bulk states of Bi2Se3 induced by NbSe2. At very low temperatures, an extra point contact feature which may correspond to a second energy gap appeared in the spectrum. For a 16 quintuple layer Bi2Se3 on NbSe2 sample, the bulk state gap value near the top surface is ~159 μeV, while the second gap value is ~120 μeV at 40 mK. The second gap value decreased with increasing Bi2Se3 layer thickness, but the ratio between the second gap and the bulk state gap remained about the same for different Bi2Se3 thicknesses. It is plausible that this is due to superconductivity in Bi2Se3 topological surface states induced through the bulk states. The two induced gaps in the PCS measurement are consistent with the three-dimensional bulk state and the two-dimensional surface state superconducting gaps observed in the angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) measurement.

The Property, Preparation and Application of Topological Insulators: A Review

Topological insulator (TI), a promising quantum and semiconductor material, has gapless surface state and narrow bulk band gap. Firstly, the properties, classifications and compounds of TI are introduced. Secondly, the preparation and doping of TI are assessed. Some results are listed. (1) Although various preparation methods are used to improve the crystal quality of the TI, it cannot reach the industrialization. Fermi level regulation still faces challenges; (2) The carrier type and lattice of TI are affected by non-magnetic impurities. The most promising property is the superconductivity at low temperature; (3) Magnetic impurities can destroy the time-reversal symmetry of the TI surface, which opens the band gap on the TI surface resulting in some novel physical effects such as quantum anomalous Hall effect (QAHE). Thirdly, this paper summarizes various applications of TI including photodetector, magnetic device, field-effect transistor (FET), laser, and so on. Furthermore, many of their parameters are compared based on TI and some common materials. It is found that TI-based devices exhibit excellent performance, but some parameters such as signal to noise ratio (S/N) are still lower than other materials. Finally, its advantages, challenges and future prospects are discussed. Overall, this paper provides an opportunity to improve crystal quality, doping regulation and application of TI.

Experimental Realization of Type-II Dirac Fermions in a PdTe_{2} Superconductor

A Dirac fermion in a topological Dirac semimetal is a quadruple-degenerate quasiparticle state with a relativistic linear dispersion. Breaking either time-reversal or inversion symmetry turns this system into a Weyl semimetal that hosts double-degenerate Weyl fermion states with opposite chiralities. These two kinds of quasiparticles, although described by a relativistic Dirac equation, do not necessarily obey Lorentz invariance, allowing the existence of so-called type-II fermions. The recent theoretical discovery of type-II Weyl fermions evokes the prediction of type-II Dirac fermions in PtSe_{2}-type transition metal dichalcogenides, expecting experimental confirmation. Here, we report an experimental realization of type-II Dirac fermions in PdTe_{2} by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy combined with ab initio band calculations. Our experimental finding shows the first example that has both superconductivity and type-II Dirac fermions, which turns the topological material research into a new phase.

Topological superconductors: a review

This review elaborates pedagogically on the fundamental concept, basic theory, expected properties, and materials realizations of topological superconductors. The relation between topological superconductivity and Majorana fermions are explained, and the difference between dispersive Majorana fermions and a localized Majorana zero mode is emphasized. A variety of routes to topological superconductivity are explained with an emphasis on the roles of spin-orbit coupling. Present experimental situations and possible signatures of topological superconductivity are summarized with an emphasis on intrinsic topological superconductors.

Patterning Superconductivity in a Topological Insulator

Topologically protected states in combination with superconductivity hold great promise for quantum computing applications, but the progress on electrical transport measurements in such systems has been impeded by the difficulty of fabricating devices with reliable electrical contacts. We find that superconductivity can be patterned directly into Bi₂Se₃ nanostructures by local doping with palladium. Superconducting regions are defined by depositing palladium on top of the nanostructures using electron beam lithography followed by in situ annealing. Electrical transport measurements at low temperatures show either partial or full superconducting transition, depending on the doping conditions. Structural characterization techniques indicate that palladium remains localized in the targeted areas, making it possible to pattern superconducting circuits of arbitrary shapes in this topological material.

Pressure induced superconductivity in the antiferromagnetic Dirac material BaMnBi2

The so-called Dirac materials such as graphene and topological insulators are a new class of matter different from conventional metals and (doped) semiconductors. Superconductivity induced by doing or applying pressure in these systems may be unconventional, or host mysterious Majorana fermions. Here, we report a successfully observation of pressure-induced superconductivity in an antiferromagnetic Dirac material BaMnBi₂ with T_c of ~4 K at 2.6 GPa. Both the higher upper critical field, μ₀H_c2(0) ~ 7 Tesla, and the measured current independent of T_c precludes that superconductivity is ascribed to the Bi impurity. The similarity in ρ_ab(B) linear behavior at high magnetic fields measured at 2 K both at ambient pressure (non-superconductivity) and 2.6 GPa (superconductivity, but at the normal state), as well as the smooth and similar change of resistivity with pressure measured at 7 K and 300 K in zero field, suggests that there may be no structure transition occurred below 2.6 GPa, and superconductivity observed here may emerge in the same phase with Dirac fermions. Our findings imply that BaMnBi₂ may provide another platform for studying SC mechanism in the system with Dirac fermions.

Electron-phonon coupling in topological surface states: The role of polar optical modes

The use of topological edge states for spintronic applications could be severely hampered by limited lifetimes due to intrinsic many-body interactions, in particular electron-phonon coupling. Previous works to determine the intrinsic coupling strength did not provide a coherent answer. Here, the electron-phonon interaction in the metallic surface state of 3D topological insulators is revised within a first principles framework. For the archetypical cases of Bi₂Se₃ and Bi₂Te₃, we find an overall weak coupling constant of less than 0.15, but with a characteristic energy dependence. Derived electronic self-energies compare favorably with previous angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy results. The prevailing coupling is carried by optical modes of polar character, which is weakly screened by the metallic surface state and can be reduced by doping into bulk bands. We do not find any indication of a strong coupling to the A_1g mode or the presence of a Kohn anomaly in the surface phonon spectrum. The weak intrinsic electron-phonon coupling guarantees long-lived quasiparticles at elevated temperatures.

Degradation of topological surface state by nonmagnetic S doping in SrxBi2Se3

Research on possible topological superconductivity has grown rapidly over the past several years, from fundamental studies to the development of next generation technologies. Recently, it has been reported that the Sr_xBi₂Se₃ exhibits superconductivity with topological surface state, making this compound a promising candidate for investigating possible topological superconductivity. However, whether or not the topological surface state is robust against impurities is not clear in this system. Here we report a detailed investigation on the lattice structure, electronic and magnetic properties, as well as the topological superconducting properties of Sr_xBi₂Se_3-yS_y samples. It is found that the superconducting transition temperature keeps nearly unchanged in all samples, despite of a gradual decrease of the superconducting shielding volume fraction with increasing S doping content. Meanwhile, the Shubnikov-de Hass oscillation results of the Sr_xBi₂Se_3-yS_y samples reveal that the topological surface states are destroyed in S doped samples, suggesting the topological character is degraded by nonmagnetic dopants.

Electrochemical Control of Copper Intercalation into Nanoscale Bi2Se3

Intercalation of exotic atoms or molecules into the layered materials remains an extensively investigated subject in current physics and chemistry. However, traditionally melt-growth and chemical interaction strategies are either limited by insufficiency of intercalant concentrations or destitute of accurate controllability. Here, we have developed a general electrochemical intercalation method to efficaciously regulate the concentration of zerovalent copper atoms into layered Bi₂Se₃, followed by comprehensive experimental characterization and analyses. Up to 57% copper atoms (Cu_6.7Bi₂Se₃) can be intercalated with no disruption to the host lattice. Meanwhile the unconventional resistance dip accompanied by a hysteresis loop below 40 K, as well as the emergence of new Raman peak in Cu_xBi₂Se₃, is a distinct manifestation of the interplay between intercalated Cu atoms with Bi₂Se₃ host. Our work demonstrates a new methodology to study fundamentally new and unexpected physical behaviors in intercalated metastable materials.

Drive the Dirac electrons into Cooper pairs in SrxBi2Se3

Topological superconductors are a very interesting and frontier topic in condensed matter physics. Despite the tremendous efforts in exploring topological superconductivity, its presence is however still under heavy debate. The Dirac electrons have been proven to exist on the surface of a topological insulator. It remains unclear whether and how the Dirac electrons fall into Cooper pairing in an intrinsic superconductor with the topological surface states. Here we show the systematic study of scanning tunnelling microscope/spectroscopy on the possible topological superconductor Sr_xBi₂Se₃. We first demonstrate that only the intercalated Sr atoms can induce superconductivity. Then we show the full superconducting gaps without any in-gap density of states as expected theoretically for a bulk topological superconductor. Finally, we find that the surface Dirac electrons will simultaneously condense into the superconducting state within the superconducting gap. This vividly demonstrates how the surface Dirac electrons are driven into Cooper pairs.

Whether and how the Dirac electrons can be driven into superconducting state remains unclear. Here, Du et al. present systematic study to demonstrate the Dirac electrons condensing into Cooper pairs on the surface of a possible topological superconductor Sr_xBi₂Se₃.

New Class of 3D Topological Insulator in Double Perovskite

We predict a new class of 3D topological insulators (TIs) in which the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) can more effectively generate band gap. Band gap of conventional TI is mainly limited by two factors, the strength of SOC and, from electronic structure perspective, the band gap when SOC is absent. While the former is an atomic property, the latter can be minimized in a generic rock-salt lattice model in which a stable crossing of bands at the Fermi level along with band character inversion occurs in the absence of SOC. Thus large-gap TIs or TIs composed of lighter elements can be expected. In fact, we find by performing first-principles calculations that the model applies to a class of double perovskites A₂BiXO₆ (A = Ca, Sr, Ba; X = Br, I) and the band gap is predicted up to 0.55 eV. Besides, surface Dirac cones are robust against the presence of dangling bond at boundary.

Structural Channels and Atomic-Cluster Insertion in CsxBi4Te6 (1 ≤ x ≤ 1.25) As Observed by Aberration-Corrected Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy

Microstructural analyses based on aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) observations demonstrate that low-dimensional Cs_xBi₄Te₆ materials, known to be a novel thermoelectric and superconducting system, contain notable structural channels that go directly along the b axis, which can be partially filled by atom clusters depending on the thermal treatment process. We successfully prepared two series of Cs_xBi₄Te₆ single-crystalline samples using two different sintering processes. The Cs_xBi₄Te₆ samples prepared using an air-quenching method show superconductivity at approximately 4 K, while the Cs_xBi₄Te₆ with the same nominal compositions prepared by slowly cooling are nonsuperconductors. Moreover, atomic structural investigations of typical samples reveal that the structural channels are often empty in superconducting materials; thus, we can represent the superconducting phase as Cs_1-yBi₄Te₆ with considering the point defects in the Cs layers. In addition, the channels in the nonsuperconducting crystals are commonly partially occupied by triplet Bi clusters. Moreover, the average structures for these two phases are also different in their monoclinic angles (β), which are estimated to be 102.3° for superconductors and 100.5° for nonsuperconductors.

Polytypic phase transitions in metal intercalated Bi2Se3

The temperature and concentration dependent phase diagrams of zero-valent copper, cobalt, and iron intercalated bismuth selenide are investigated using in situ transmission electron microscopy. Polytypic phase transitions associated with superlattice formation along with order-disorder transitions of the guest intercalant are determined. Dual-element intercalants of CuCo, CuFe, and CoFe-Bi₂Se₃ are also investigated. Hexagonal and striped domain formation consistent with two-dimensional ordering of the intercalant and Pokrovksy-Talapov theory is identified as a function of concentration. These studies provide a complete picture of the structural behavior of zero-valent metal intercalated Bi₂Se₃.

Large spin-orbit coupling and helical spin textures in 2D heterostructure [Pb2BiS3][AuTe2]

Two-dimensional heterostructures with strong spin-orbit coupling have direct relevance to topological quantum materials and potential applications in spin-orbitronics. In this work, we report on novel quantum phenomena in [Pb2BiS3][AuTe2], a new 2D strong spin-orbit coupling heterostructure system. Transport measurements reveal the spin-related carrier scattering is at odds with the Abrikosov-Gorkov model due to strong spin-orbit coupling. This is consistent with our band structure calculations which reveal a large spin-orbit coupling gap of εso = 0.21 eV. The band structure is also characterized by helical-like spin textures which are mainly induced by strong spin-orbit coupling and the inversion symmetry breaking in the heterostructure system.

Atom Probe Tomography Analysis of Ag Doping in 2D Layered Material (PbSe)5(Bi2Se3)3

Impurity doping in two-dimensional (2D) materials can provide a route to tuning electronic properties, so it is important to be able to determine the distribution of dopant atoms within and between layers. Here we report the tomographic mapping of dopants in layered 2D materials with atomic sensitivity and subnanometer spatial resolution using atom probe tomography (APT). APT analysis shows that Ag dopes both Bi₂Se₃ and PbSe layers in (PbSe)₅(Bi₂Se₃)₃, and correlations in the position of Ag atoms suggest a pairing across neighboring Bi₂Se₃ and PbSe layers. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm the favorability of substitutional doping for both Pb and Bi and provide insights into the observed spatial correlations in dopant locations.

Toward the Intrinsic Limit of the Topological Insulator Bi_{2}Se_{3}

Combining high resolution scanning tunneling microscopy and first principles calculations, we identified the major native defects, in particular the Se vacancies and Se interstitial defects, that are responsible for the bulk conduction and nanoscale potential fluctuations in single crystals of archetypal topological insulator Bi_{2}Se_{3}. Here it is established that the defect concentrations in Bi_{2}Se_{3} are far above the thermodynamic limit, and that the growth kinetics dominate the observed defect concentrations. Furthermore, through careful control of the synthesis, our tunneling spectroscopy suggests that our best samples are approaching the intrinsic limit with the Fermi level inside the band gap without introducing extrinsic dopants.

Topological edge states in a high-temperature superconductor FeSe/SrTiO3(001) film

Superconducting and topological states are two most intriguing quantum phenomena in solid materials. The entanglement of these two states, the topological superconducting state, will give rise to even more exotic quantum phenomena. While many materials are found to be either a superconductor or a topological insulator, it is very rare that both states exist in one material. Here, we demonstrate by first-principles theory as well as scanning tunnelling spectroscopy and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy experiments that the recently discovered 'two-dimensional (2D) superconductor' of single-layer FeSe also exhibits 1D topological edge states within an energy gap of ∼40 meV at the M point below the Fermi level. It is the first 2D material that supports both superconducting and topological states, offering an exciting opportunity to study 2D topological superconductors through the proximity effect.