Full-gap superconductivity in spin-polarised surface states of topological semimetal β-PdBi₂.

ABSTRACT: A bulk superconductor possessing a topological surface state at the Fermi level is a promising system to realise long-sought topological superconductivity. Although several candidate materials have been proposed, experimental demonstrations concurrently exploring spin textures and superconductivity at the surface have remained elusive. Here we perform spectroscopic-imaging scanning tunnelling microscopy on the centrosymmetric superconductor β-PdBi₂ that hosts a topological surface state. By combining first-principles electronic-structure calculations and quasiparticle interference experiments, we determine the spin textures at the surface, and show not only the topological surface state but also all other surface bands exhibit spin polarisations parallel to the surface. We find

SUBMITTER: Iwaya K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5730620 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature