Magnetization amplification in the interlayer pairing superconductor 4⁢HB⁡−TaS2

Abstract: 

A recent experiment on the bulk compound 4⁢Hb−TaS2 reveals an unusual time-reversal symmetry-breaking superconducting state that possesses a magnetic memory not manifest in the normal state. Here we provide a mechanism for this observation by studying the magnetic and electronic properties of 4⁢Hb−TaS2. We discuss the criterion for a small magnetization in the normal state in terms of spin and orbital magnetizations. Based on an analysis of lattice symmetry and Fermi surface structure, we propose that 4Hb−TaS2 realizes superconductivity in the interlayer, equal-spin channel with a gap function whose phase winds along the Fermi surface by an integer multiple of 6⁢π. The enhancement of the magnetization in the superconducting state compared to the normal state can be explained if the state with a gap winding of 6⁢π is realized, accounting for the observed magnetic memory. We discuss how this superconducting state can be probed experimentally by spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy.

Author: 
Liu C
Chatterjee S
Scaffidi T
Berg E
Altman E
Publication date: 
July 3, 2024
Publication type: 
Journal Article