A. Kaleta | Searcharxiv

arXiv2024

PbTe/SnTe heterostructures -- candidate platform for studying spin-triplet superconductivity

This paper explores the potential for spin-triplet superconductivity in molecular beam epitaxy grown PbTe/SnTe semiconductor heterostructures. We present convincing evidence for spin-triplet pairing by soft point-contact spectroscopy experiments, using both spin-polarized and unpolarized electrons and additionally, by detailed analysis of the upper critical field, as inferred from the four probe resistance measurements. The experimental data are described in terms of the Anderson-Brinkman-Morel model of p-wave electron pairing. Our results confirm the predictions on strain-induced topological superconductivity by E.Tang and L. Fu (Nature Physics, 10, 964, 2014).

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2018

Defect-free SnTe topological crystalline insulator nanowires grown by molecular beam epitaxy on graphene

SnTe topological crystalline insulator nanowires have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy on graphene/SiC substrates. The nanowires have cubic rock-salt structure, they grow along [001] crystallographic direction and have four sidewalls consisting of {100} crystal planes known to host metallic surface states with Dirac dispersion. Thorough high resolution transmission electron microscopy investigations show that the nanowires grow on graphene in the van der Walls epitaxy mode induced when the catalyzing Au nanoparticle mixes with Sn delivered from SnTe flux, providing liquid Au-Sn alloy. The nanowires are totally free from structural defects, but their {001} sidewalls are prone to oxidation, which points out on necessity of depositing protective capping in view of exploiting the magneto-electric transport phenomena involving charge carriers occupying topologically protected states.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗