Topological $p_z$-wave nodal-line superconductivity with flat surface bands in the AH$_{x}$Cr${_3}$As${_3}$ (A=Na, K, Rb, Cs) superconductors

Abstract

We study the pairing symmetry and the topological properties of the hydrogen-doped ACr$_3$As$_3$ superconductors. Based on our first-principle band structure with spin-orbit-coupling (SOC), we construct tight binding model including the on-site SOC terms, equipped with the multi-orbital Hubbard interactions. Then using the random-phase-approximation (RPA) approach, we calculate the pairing phase diagram of this model. Our RPA results yield the triplet pz-wave pairing in the ($\left(\uparrow\downarrow+\downarrow\uparrow\right)$) spin channel to be the leading pairing symmetry all over the experiment relevant hydrogen-doping regimes. This pairing state belongs to the spin-U(1)-symmetry protected time-reversal-invariant topological nodal-line superconductivity. Determined by the momentum-dependent topological invariant Z (kx; ky), the whole (001) surface Brillouin zone is covered with topological flat bands with different regimes covered with different numbers of flat surface bands, which can be detected by the scanning tunneling microscope experiments.