Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026
04:51
Comparison of Two Different Synthesis Methods of Single Crystals of Superconducting Uranium Ditelluride
Published on: July 8, 2021
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Gate-induced superconductivity in a monolayer topological insulator
Ebrahim Sajadi1, Tauno Palomaki2, Zaiyao Fei2
1Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada, and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|October 27, 2018
Summary
Superconductivity is induced in monolayer tungsten ditelluride (WTe2), a 2D topological insulator, via electrostatic doping. This breakthrough enables gate-controlled devices merging superconductivity and topological properties for quantum information applications.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Information Science
Background:
- Tungsten ditelluride (WTe2) is a layered semimetal.
- Monolayer WTe2 exhibits properties of a two-dimensional topological insulator (2D TI) with conducting edge channels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the induction of superconductivity in monolayer 2D TI WTe2.
- To explore the possibility of gate-controlled transitions between topological insulator and superconductor states.
Main Methods:
- Thinning WTe2 to a single monolayer.
- Applying mild electrostatic doping.
- Utilizing gate voltage control at temperatures below 1 Kelvin.
Main Results:
- Intrinsic superconductivity was successfully induced in monolayer WTe2.
- The transition between the 2D TI and superconductor states was controlled by gate voltage.
- The observed phenomena occurred at temperatures below 1 Kelvin.
Conclusions:
- Mild electrostatic doping can induce superconductivity in monolayer 2D TI WTe2.
- Gate-controlled devices combining superconductivity and topological properties are feasible.
- This research provides a foundation for topological quantum information schemes.
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