Induced unconventional superconductivity on the surface states of Bi2Te3 topological insulator
Topological superconductivity is central to a variety of novel phenomena involving the interplay between topologically ordered phases and broken-symmetry states. The key ingredient is an unconventional order parameter, with an orbital component containing a chiral p(x) + ip(y) wave term. Here we pre...
Published in: | Nature Communications |
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Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
Language: | unknown |
Published: |
2017
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-017-02069-z https://research.chalmers.se/en/publication/254131 |
Summary: | Topological superconductivity is central to a variety of novel phenomena involving the interplay between topologically ordered phases and broken-symmetry states. The key ingredient is an unconventional order parameter, with an orbital component containing a chiral p(x) + ip(y) wave term. Here we present phase-sensitive measurements, based on the quantum interference in nanoscale Josephson junctions, realized by using Bi2Te3 topological insulator. We demonstrate that the induced superconductivity is unconventional and consistent with a sign-changing order parameter, such as a chiral px + ipy component. The magnetic field pattern of the junctions shows a dip at zero externally applied magnetic field, which is an incontrovertible signature of the simultaneous existence of 0 and pi coupling within the junction, inherent to a non trivial order parameter phase. The nano-textured morphology of the Bi2Te3 flakes, and the dramatic role played by thermal strain are the surprising key factors for the display of an unconventional induced order parameter. |
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