Discrete Superconducting Phases in FeSe-Derived Superconductors

Gate-Tunable Critical Current of the Three-Dimensional Niobium Nanobridge Josephson Junction

Recent studies have shown that the critical currents of several metallic superconducting nanowires and Dayem bridges can be locally tuned by using a gate voltage (Vg). Here, we report a gate-tunable Josephson junction structure constructed from a three-dimensional (3D) niobium nanobridge junction (NBJ) with a voltage gate on top. Measurements up to 6 K showed that the critical current of this structure can be tuned to zero by increasing Vg. The critical gate voltage was reduced to 16 V and may possibly be reduced further by reducing the thickness of the insulation layer between the gate and the NBJ. Furthermore, the flux modulation generated by Josephson interference of two parallel 3D NBJs can also be tuned by using Vg in a similar manner. Therefore, we believe that this gate-tunable Josephson junction structure is promising for superconducting circuit fabrication at high integration levels.

Homogeneous Lateral Lithium Intercalation into Transition Metal Dichalcogenides via Ion Backgating

Lithium intercalation has become a versatile tool for realizing emergent quantum phenomena in two-dimensional (2D) materials. However, the insertion of lithium ions may be accompanied by the creation of wrinkles and cracks, which prevents the material from manifesting its intrinsic properties under substantial charge injection. By using the recently developed ion backgating technique, we successfully realize lateral intercalation in 1T-TiSe₂ and 2H-NbSe₂, which shows substantially improved sample homogeneity. The homogeneity at high lithium doping is not only demonstrated via low-temperature transport measurements but also directly visualized by topographical imaging through in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM). The application of lateral intercalation to a broad spectrum of 2D materials can greatly facilitate the search for exotic quantum phenomena.

Anomalous Metallic Phase in Molybdenum Disulphide Induced via Gate-Driven Organic Ion Intercalation

Transition metal dichalcogenides exhibit rich phase diagrams dominated by the interplay of superconductivity and charge density waves, which often result in anomalies in the electric transport properties. Here, we employ the ionic gating technique to realize a tunable, non-volatile organic ion intercalation in bulk single crystals of molybdenum disulphide (MoS2). We demonstrate that this gate-driven organic ion intercalation induces a strong electron doping in the system without changing the pristine 2H crystal symmetry and triggers the emergence of a re-entrant insulator-to-metal transition. We show that the gate-induced metallic state exhibits clear anomalies in the temperature dependence of the resistivity with a natural explanation as signatures of the development of a charge-density wave phase which was previously observed in alkali-intercalated MoS2. The relatively large temperature at which the anomalies are observed (∼150 K), combined with the absence of any sign of doping-induced superconductivity down to ∼3 K, suggests that the two phases might be competing with each other to determine the electronic ground state of electron-doped MoS2.

Research Progress of FeSe-based Superconductors Containing Ammonia/Organic Molecules Intercalation

As an important part of Fe-based superconductors, FeSe-based superconductors have become a hot field in condensed matter physics. The exploration and preparation of such superconducting materials form the basis of studying their physical properties. With the help of various alkali/alkaline-earth/rare-earth metals, different kinds of ammonia/organic molecules have been intercalated into the FeSe layer to form a large number of FeSe-based superconductors with diverse structures and different layer spacing. Metal cations can effectively provide carriers to the superconducting FeSe layer, thus significantly increasing the superconducting transition temperature. The orientation of organic molecules often plays an important role in structural modification and can be used to fine-tune superconductivity. This review introduces the crystal structures and superconducting properties of several typical FeSe-based superconductors containing ammonia/organic molecules intercalation discovered in recent years, and the effects of FeSe layer spacing and superconducting transition temperature are briefly summarized.

Fragile Pressure-Induced Magnetism in FeSe Superconductors with a Thickness Reduction

The emergence of high transition temperature (T_c) superconductivity in bulk FeSe under pressure is associated with the tuning of nematicity and magnetism. However, sorting out the relative contributions from magnetic and nematic fluctuations to the enhancement of T_c remains challenging. Here, we design and conduct a series of high-pressure experiments on FeSe thin flakes. We find that as the thickness decreases the nematic phase boundary on temperature-pressure phase diagrams remains robust while the magnetic order is significantly weakened. A local maximum of T_c is observed outside the nematic phase region, not far from the extrapolated nematic end point in all samples. However, the maximum T_c value is reduced associated with the weakening of magnetism. No high-T_c phase is observed in the thinnest sample. Our results strongly suggest that nematic fluctuations alone can only have a limited effect while magnetic fluctuations are pivotal on the enhancement of T_c in FeSe.

Coexistence of resistance oscillations and the anomalous metal phase in a lithium intercalated TiSe2 superconductor

Superconductivity and charge density wave (CDW) appear in the phase diagram of a variety of materials including the high-T_c cuprate family and many transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Their interplay may give rise to exotic quantum phenomena. Here, we show that superconducting arrays can spontaneously form in TiSe₂–a TMD with coexisting superconductivity and CDW—after lithium ion intercalation. We induce a superconducting dome in the phase diagram of Li_xTiSe₂ by using the ionic solid-state gating technique. Around optimal doping, we observe magnetoresistance oscillations, indicating the emergence of periodically arranged domains. In the same temperature, magnetic field and carrier density regime where the resistance oscillations occur, we observe signatures for the anomalous metal—a state with a resistance plateau across a wide temperature range below the superconducting transition. Our study not only sheds further insight into the mechanism for the periodic electronic structure, but also reveals the interplay between the anomalous metal and superconducting fluctuations.

The interplay between superconductivity and charge density wave (CDW) gives rise to exotic quantum phenomena. Here, the authors observe magnetoresistance oscillations and an anomalous metal state due to the coexistence of superconductivity and CDW in lithium intercalated TiSe₂.

Manipulating Ferromagnetism in Few-Layered Cr2 Ge2 Te6

The discovery of magnetism in 2D materials offers new opportunities for exploring novel quantum states and developing spintronic devices. In this work, using field-effect transistors with solid ion conductors as the gate dielectric (SIC-FETs), we have observed a significant enhancement of ferromagnetism associated with magnetic easy-axis switching in few-layered Cr₂ Ge₂ Te₆ . The easy axis of the magnetization, inferred from the anisotropic magnetoresistance, can be uniformly tuned from the out-of-plane direction to an in-plane direction by electric field in the few-layered Cr₂ Ge₂ Te₆ . Additionally, the Curie temperature, obtained from both the Hall resistance and magnetoresistance measurements, increases from 65 to 180 K in the few-layered sample by electric gating. Moreover, the surface of the sample is fully exposed in the SIC-FET device configuration, making further heterostructure-engineering possible. This work offers an excellent platform for realizing electrically controlled quantum phenomena in a single device.

NaOH-Intercalated Iron Chalcogenides (Na1-xOH)Fe1-yX (X = Se, S): Ion-Exchange Synthesis and Physical Properties

The discovery of the (Li_1-xFe_xOH)FeSe superconductor has aroused significant interest in metal hydroxide-intercalated iron chalcogenides. However, all efforts made to intercalate NaOH between FeSe and FeS layers have failed so far. Here we report two NaOH-intercalated iron chalcogenides (Na_1-xOH)Fe_1-yX (X = Se, S) that were synthesized by a low-temperature hydrothermal ion-exchange method. Their crystal structures were solved through single-crystal X-ray diffraction and refined against powder X-ray and neutron diffraction data. Different from the (Li_1-xFe_xOH)FeX superconductors that crystallize in a tetragonal space group P4/nmm with Z = 2, (Na_1-xOH)Fe_1-yX belong to an orthorhombic space group Cmma with Z = 4. The structural solution also reveals that there are vacancies in both Na and Fe sites and there are not iron ions in the (Na_1-xOH) layer. This is probably why both Fe(II) and Fe(III) species exist in the title compounds, as detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Based on magnetization and electrical resistivity measurements, the two compounds were found to be paramagnetic semiconductors. The absence of superconductivity should be closely related to the iron vacancies in the Fe_1-yX layer. Theoretical calculations suggest that inducing superconductivity in (Na_1-xOH)Fe_1-ySe is promising due to the similarity of the electronic structures between stoichiometric (NaOH)FeSe and the (Li_1-xFe_xOH)FeSe superconductor.

Magic Doping and Robust Superconductivity in Monolayer FeSe on Titanates

The enhanced superconductivity in monolayer FeSe on titanates opens a fascinating pathway toward the rational design of high-temperature superconductors. Utilizing the state-of-the-art oxide plus chalcogenide molecular beam epitaxy systems in situ connected to a synchrotron angle-resolved photoemission spectroscope, epitaxial LaTiO3 layers with varied atomic thicknesses are inserted between monolayer FeSe and SrTiO3, for systematic modulation of interfacial chemical potential. With the dramatic increase of electron accumulation at the LaTiO3/SrTiO3 surface, providing a substantial surge of work function mismatch across the FeSe/oxide interface, the charge transfer and the superconducting gap in the monolayer FeSe are found to remain markedly robust. This unexpected finding indicate the existence of an intrinsically anchored "magic" doping within the monolayer FeSe systems.

High-Entropy van der Waals Materials Formed from Mixed Metal Dichalcogenides, Halides, and Phosphorus Trisulfides

The charge, spin, and composition degrees of freedom in a high-entropy alloy endow it with tunable valence and spin states, infinite combinations, and excellent mechanical performance. Meanwhile, the stacking, interlayer, and angle degrees of freedom in a van der Waals material bring to it exceptional features and technological applications. Integration of these two distinct material categories while keeping their merits would be tempting. On the basis of this heuristic thinking, we design and explore a new range of materials (i.e., dichalcogenides, halides, and phosphorus trisulfides) with multiple metallic constitutions and intrinsic layered structure, which are coined as high-entropy van der Waals materials. Millimeter-scale single crystals with a homogeneous element distribution can be efficiently acquired and easily exfoliated or intercalated in this materials category. Multifarious physical properties such as superconductivity, magnetic ordering, metal-insulator transition, and corrosion resistance have been exploited. Further research based on the concept of high-entropy van der Waals materials will enrich the high-throughput design of new systems with intriguing properties and practical applications.

Incommensurate smectic phase in close proximity to the high-Tc superconductor FeSe/SrTiO3

Superconductivity is significantly enhanced in monolayer FeSe grown on SrTiO₃, but not for multilayer films, in which large strength of nematicity develops. However, the link between the high-transition temperature superconductivity in monolayer and the correlation related nematicity in multilayer FeSe films is not well understood. Here, we use low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy to study few-layer FeSe thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy. We observe an incommensurate long-range smectic phase, which solely appears in bilayer FeSe films. The smectic order still locally exists and gradually fades away with increasing film thickness, while it suddenly vanishes in monolayer FeSe, indicative of an abrupt smectic phase transition. Surface alkali-metal doping can suppress the smectic phase and induce high-T_c superconductivity in bilayer FeSe. Our observations provide evidence that the monolayer FeSe is in close proximity to the smectic phase, and its superconductivity is likely enhanced by this electronic instability as well.

The relation between enhanced superconductivity in monolayer FeSe grown on SrTiO₃ and the large nematicity in multilayer FeSe on SrTiO₃ remains not well understood. Here, the authors observe a long-range smectic phase in bilayer FeSe films but vanishes in monolayer FeSe, providing a new instability to help enhance the superconductivity.

Observation of an electronic order along [110] direction in FeSe

Multiple ordered states have been observed in unconventional superconductors. Here, we apply scanning tunneling microscopy to probe the intrinsic ordered states in FeSe, the structurally simplest iron-based superconductor. Besides the well-known nematic order along [100] direction, we observe a checkerboard charge order in the iron lattice, which we name a [110] electronic order in FeSe. The [110] electronic order is robust at 77 K, accompanied with the rather weak [100] nematic order. At 4.5 K, The [100] nematic order is enhanced, while the [110] electronic order forms domains with reduced correlation length. In addition, the collective [110] order is gaped around [−40, 40] meV at 4.5 K. The observation of this exotic electronic order may shed new light on the origin of the ordered states in FeSe.

Understanding the relation of different electronic orders in high temperature superconductors is of fundamental interest. Here, the authors observe a checkerboard charge order along [110] direction of FeSe.

Electrochemical Intercalation in Atomically Thin van der Waals Materials for Structural Phase Transition and Device Applications

In van der Waals (vdWs) materials and heterostructures, the interlayers are bonded by weak vdWs interactions due to the lack of dangling bonds. The vdWs gap at the homo- or heterointerface provides great freedom to enrich the tunability of electronic structures by external intercalation of foreign ions or atoms at the interface, leading to the discovery of new physics and functionalities. Herein, the recent progress on electrochemical intercalation of foreign species into atomically thin vdWs materials for structural phase transition and device applications is reviewed and future opportunities are discussed. First, several kinds of electrochemical intercalation platforms to achieve the intercalation in vdWs materials and heterostructures are introduced. Next, the in situ characterization of electrochemical intercalation dynamics by state-of-the-art techniques is summarized, including optical techniques, scanning probe techniques, and electrical transport. Moreover, particular attention is paid on the experimentally reported phase transition and multifunctional applications of intercalated devices. Finally, future applications and challenges of intercalation in vdWs materials and heterostructures are proposed, including the intrinsic intercalation mechanism of solid ion conductors, exact identification of intercalated foreign species by near-field optical techniques, and the tunability of intercalation kinetics for ultrafast switching.

Reversible Superconductor-Insulator Transition in (Li, Fe)OHFeSe Flakes Visualized by Gate-Tunable Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy

Electric field control of charge carrier density provides a key in situ technology to continuously tune the ground states and map out the phase diagram of correlated electron systems in one device. This technique is highly expected to be combined with the modern state-of-the art spectroscopic probes, such as angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/S), to efficiently address these states and the underlying physics. However, it is extremely difficult and not successful so far, mainly because the fabrication process of such devices makes them prohibitive for surface probes. Here, by using a solid Li-ion conductor (SIC) as gate dielectric, we have successfully developed gate-tunable STM/S and visualized the superconductor-insulator transition (SIT) in a thin flake of single crystal (Li, Fe)OHFeSe at the nanoscale. The gate-controlled Li-ion injection first enhances the superconductivity and then drives the flake into an inhomogeneous insulating state, where superconductivity is totally suppressed. This process can be reversed by applying an opposite gate voltage. Importantly, the atomically resolved images allow us to identify the critical role that the injected Li ions play in the tuning process. Our results not only provide clear evidence of the microscopic mechanism of the tunable superconductivity and SIT in the SIC-based (Li, Fe)OHFeSe devices, but also establish SIC-gating STM as a powerful tool for investigating the complicated phase diagram of correlated electron system spectroscopically in a single sample with the field-effect approach.

Van der Waals thin films of WTe2 for natural hyperbolic plasmonic surfaces

A hyperbolic plasmonic surface supports highly directional propagating polaritons with extremely large density of states. Such plasmon polaritons have been realized in artificially structured metasurfaces. However, the upper bound of the achievable plasmon wave vector is limited by the structure size, which calls for a natural hyperbolic surface without any structuring. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a natural hyperbolic plasmonic surface based on thin films of WTe₂ in the light wavelength range of 16 to 23 microns by far infrared absorption spectroscopy. The topological transition from the elliptic to the hyperbolic regime is further manifested by mapping the isofrequency contours of the plasmon. Moreover, the anisotropy character and plasmon frequency exhibit prominent temperature dependence. Our study demonstrates the first natural platform to host 2D hyperbolic plasmons, which opens exotic avenues for the manipulation of plasmon propagation, light-matter interaction and light emission in planar photonics.

Hyperbolic plasmonic surfaces supporting highly directional propagating plasmon-polaritons have been realized in artificial metamaterials. Here, the authors demonstrate experimentally a hyperbolic plasmonic surface naturally occurring in thin films of WTe2, a type-II Weyl semimetal with layered structure.

Diamagnetic Response of Potassium-Adsorbed Multilayer FeSe Film

Intrigued by the discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in a single unit-cell layer of FeSe film on SrTiO_{3}, researchers recently found large superconductinglike energy gaps in K-adsorbed multilayer FeSe films by angle-resolved photoemission and scanning tunneling spectroscopy. However, the existence and nature of the high-temperature superconductivity inferred by the spectroscopic studies has not been investigated by measurements of zero resistance or the Meissner effect due to the fragility of K atoms in air. Using a self-developed multifunctional scanning tunneling microscope, we succeed in observing the diamagnetic response of K-adsorbed multilayer FeSe films, and thus find a dome-shaped relation between the critical temperature (T_{c}) and K coverage. Intriguingly, T_{c} exhibits an approximately linear dependence on the superfluid density in the whole K adsorbed region. Moreover, the quadratic low-temperature variation in the London penetration depth indicates a sign-reversal order parameter. These results provide compelling information towards further understanding of the high-temperature superconductivity in FeSe-derived superconductors.

Electric-field-controlled superconductor-ferromagnetic insulator transition

Superconductivity beyond electron-phonon mechanism is always twisted with magnetism. Based on a new field-effect transistor with solid ion conductor as the gate dielectric (SIC-FET), we successfully achieve an electric-field-controlled phase transition between superconductor and ferromagnetic insulator in (Li,Fe)OHFeSe. A dome-shaped superconducting phase with optimal T_c of 43 K is continuously tuned into a ferromagnetic insulating phase, which exhibits an electric-field-controlled quantum critical behavior. The origin of the ferromagnetism is ascribed to the order of the interstitial Fe ions expelled from the (Li,Fe)OH layers by gating-controlled Li injection. These surprising findings offer a unique platform to study the relationship between superconductivity and ferromagnetism in Fe-based superconductors. This work also demonstrates the superior performance of the SIC-FET in regulating physical properties of layered unconventional superconductors.

Synthesis, structure and superconductivity of FeS1−xSex (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) solid solution crystals

FeS_1−xSe_x solid solution crystals with the whole range (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) were synthesized, and the superconductivity and magnetism of these crystals were investigated.