Exotic superconductivity, such as high TC, topological, and heavy-fermion superconductors, often rely on phase sensitive measurements to determine the underlying pairing. Here we investigate the proximity-induced superconductivity in nanowires of SnTe, where a s±is′ superconducting state is produced that lacks the time-reversal and valley-exchange symmetry of the parent SnTe. A systematic breakdown of three conventional characteristics of Josephson junctions -- the DC Josephson effect, the AC Josephson effect, and the magnetic diffraction pattern -- fabricated from SnTe nanowire weak links elucidates this novel superconducting state. Further, the AC Josephson effect reveals evidence of a Majorana bound state, tuned by a perpendicular magnetic field. This work represents the definitive phase-sensitive measurement of novel s±is′ superconductivity, providing a new route to the investigation of fractional vortices, topological superconductivity, topological phase transitions, and new types of Josephson-based devices.
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High-Temperature Superconductivity in Size-Selected Metal Nanoclusters: Gas-Phase Spectroscopy and Prototype Devices for Deposition Studies
Metal nanoclusters, composed of tens to thousands of atoms, display the phenomenon of electronic shell structure. This quantum size effect, with its associated level degeneracy, turns out to be highly propitious for superconductivity. Spectroscopy of free aluminum nanoclusters has revealed a pairing phase transition in their electron density of states at a temperature two orders of magnitude higher than the bulk. In addition to gas-phase research on this new family of high-Tc systems, it is important to pursue their use as building blocks for superconducting networks and assemblies. The development of devices suitable for the detection of superconductivity in surface-deposited nanoclusters is outlined.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2003469
- PAR ID:
- 10322168
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Superconductivity and Novel Magnetism
- ISSN:
- 1557-1939
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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