Journal Article

FZJ-2024-00084

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Atomic Diffusion-Induced Polarization and Superconductivity in Topological Insulator-Based Heterostructures

Wei, X. (Corresponding author) ; Jalil, A. R.FZJ* ; Rüssmann, P. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Ando, Y. ; Grützmacher, D.FZJ* ; Blügel, S.FZJ* ; Mayer, J.FZJ*

2024
Soc. Washington, DC

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1021/acsnano.3c08601  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2024-00084

Abstract: The proximity effect at a highly transparent interface of an s-wave superconductor (S) and a topological insulator (TI) provides a promising platform to create Majorana zero modes in artificially designed heterostructures. However, structural and chemical issues pertinent to such interfaces have been poorly explored so far. Here, we report the discovery of Pd diffusion-induced polarization at interfaces between superconductive Pd1+x(Bi0.4Te0.6)2 (xPBT, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1) and Pd-intercalated Bi2Te3 by using atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. Our quantitative image analysis reveals that nanoscale lattice strain and QL polarity synergistically suppress and promote Pd diffusion at the normal and parallel interfaces, formed between Te–Pd–Bi triple layers (TLs) and Te–Bi–Te–Bi–Te quintuple layers (QLs), respectively. Further, our first-principles calculations unveil that the superconductivity of the xPBT phase and topological nature of the Pd-intercalated Bi2Te3 phase are robust against the broken inversion symmetry. These findings point out the necessity of considering the coexistence of electric polarization with superconductivity and topology in such S–TI systems.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Quanten-Theorie der Materialien (IAS-1)
2. Quanten-Theorie der Materialien (PGI-1)
3. Materialwissenschaft u. Werkstofftechnik (ER-C-2)
4. Halbleiter-Nanoelektronik (PGI-9)
5. JARA - HPC (JARA-HPC)
6. JARA-FIT (JARA-FIT)

Research Program(s):

1. 5211 - Topological Matter (POF4-521) (POF4-521)
2. DFG project 390534769 - EXC 2004: Materie und Licht für Quanteninformation (ML4Q) (390534769) (390534769)

Appears in the scientific report 2024

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Database coverage:
; ; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 15 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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