Time-reversal symmetry breaking in the Fe-chalcogenide superconductors
Abstract
In the Fe-chalcogenide superconductors, topology, superconductivity, and magnetism all come together to provide a platform for a range of exotic quantum phenomena. Topology and superconductivity can interact to give topological superconductivity capable of supporting Majorana fermions that could prove to be the basis of future qubit technology. The large spin–orbit interaction associated with the topological phenomena combined with magnetism can potentially result in the quantum anomalous Hall effect although the superconductivity will work against such. It is important that we understand the relevant roles of the different phenomena. Here we provide evidence of time-reversal symmetry breaking and associated mass acquisition in a topological surface state at the superconducting transition, an observation highly suggestive of the formation of surface ferromagnetism.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 2021
- Source ID
- 10.1073/pnas.2007241118
Entities
People
- Alexei Tsvelik
- Congjun Wu
- Genda Gu
- Nader Zaki
- P. D. Johnson
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Brookhaven National Laboratory
- United States Department of Energy
- University of California