Proximity effect and inverse proximity effect in a topological-insulator/iron-based-superconductor heterostructure

Abstract

We theoretically study the proximity effect and the inverse proximity effect in a topological insulator/iron-based superconductor heterostructure based on the microscopic model. The superconducting order parameter is self-consistently calculated. Its magnitude decreases when the coupling of these two systems increases. The induced pairing order parameter exhibits negative and positive values, while the negative pairing near the $\Gamma=(0,0)$ point is dominant. This parameter has twofold symmetry and includes an $s$-wave component and a $d$-wave component. The magnitude of the induced pairing order parameter has a maximal value at the coupling strength $t_p=0.3\approx 0.06$ eV. The spectral function and the local density of states are calculated and may be used to probe the proximity effect. We also discuss the feedback of the topological insulator to the iron-based superconductor layer. The normal-state Fermi surface is distorted by the coupling, and additional Fermi pockets are induced. An effective spin-orbit interaction term is induced. In the superconducting state, the previous fourfold symmetry of the order parameter is broken, and a $d$-wave component pairing term is also induced. Our main results can be well understood by analyzing the Fermi surfaces of the original systems.