Signature of magnetic-dependent gapless odd frequency states at superconductor/ferromagnet interfaces

Nature Communications
A Di BernardoJ W A Robinson

Abstract

The theory of superconductivity developed by Bardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer (BCS) explains the stabilization of electron pairs into a spin-singlet, even frequency, state by the formation of an energy gap within which the density of states is zero. At a superconductor interface with an inhomogeneous ferromagnet, a gapless odd frequency superconducting state is predicted, in which the Cooper pairs are in a spin-triplet state. Although indirect evidence for such a state has been obtained, the gap structure and pairing symmetry have not so far been determined. Here we report scanning tunnelling spectroscopy of Nb superconducting films proximity coupled to epitaxial Ho. These measurements reveal pronounced changes to the Nb subgap superconducting density of states on driving the Ho through a metamagnetic transition from a helical antiferromagnetic to a homogeneous ferromagnetic state for which a BCS-like gap is recovered. The results prove odd frequency spin-triplet superconductivity at superconductor/inhomogeneous magnet interfaces.

References

Feb 15, 2001·Physical Review Letters·T KontosX Grison
May 21, 2010·Physical Review Letters·Trupti S KhaireNorman O Birge
May 1, 2012·Physical Review Letters·Carolin KloseJ Unguris
Sep 26, 2012·Physical Review Letters·P V LeksinB Büchner
Sep 29, 2012·Scientific Reports·J W A RobinsonM G Blamire
Jan 10, 2014·Nature Communications·N BanerjeeJ W A Robinson
Feb 19, 2014·Nature Communications·Avradeep PalM G Blamire

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Jul 19, 2016·Scientific Reports·Jabir Ali OuassouJacob Linder
Jan 21, 2017·Scientific Reports·Avradeep PalM G Blamire
Oct 28, 2015·Scientific Reports·Jacob Linder, Jason W A Robinson
Dec 3, 2016·Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter : an Institute of Physics Journal·N SatchellJ F K Cooper
Sep 28, 2017·Physical Review Letters·L Komendová, A M Black-Schaffer
Jun 27, 2018·Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences·C HolmqvistM Fogelström
Sep 26, 2020·Physical Review Letters·Vivien PerrinPascal Simon
Jun 27, 2018·Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences·Oded Millo, Gad Koren
Dec 12, 2018·Nature Communications·S DieschE Scheer

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Methods Mentioned

BETA
electron scattering
X-ray
performed transmission electron
transmission electron microscopy

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.