Edge-currents in superconductors with a broken time-reversal symmetry

Abstract

We analyze edge currents and edge bands at the surface of a time-reversal symmetry breaking d_{x^2-y^2}+id_{xy} superconductor. We show that the currents have large Friedel oscillations with two interfering frequencies: \sqrt{2}k_F from sub-gap states, and 2 k_F from the continuum. The results are based independently on a self-consistent slave-boson mean field theory for the t-J model on a triangular lattice, and on a T-matrix scattering theory calculation. The shape of the edge-state band, as well as the particular frequency \sqrt{2}k_F of the Friedel oscillations are attributes unique for the d_{x^2-y^2}+id_{xy} case, and may be used as a fingerprint for its identification. Extensions to different time-reversal symmetry breaking superconductors can be achieved within the same approach.