Possible Three-Dimensional Nematic Odd-Parity Superconductivity in Sr_{2}RuO_{4}.

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Materials

Background:

• The established chiral p-wave superconducting pairing in Sr_{2}RuO_{4} faces challenges reconciling with experimental data.
• Existing models struggle to explain key observations like the absence of spontaneous edge currents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate an alternative superconducting pairing symmetry in Sr_{2}RuO_{4}.
• To propose a model that better explains puzzling experimental results.

Main Methods:

• Symmetry analysis of the crystalline D_{4h} group.
• Exploration of odd-parity pairing with three-dimensional characteristics.
• Focus on a specific E_{u} pairing with (k_{z}x, k_{z}y) components.

Main Results:

• A novel odd-parity superconducting state with inherent three-dimensional character is proposed.
• This state arises from interorbital interlayer coupling and spin-orbit coupling.
• A time-reversal invariant nematic pairing can be realized under specific conditions.

Conclusions:

• The proposed nematic superconducting state offers a potential explanation for puzzling experimental observations in Sr_{2}RuO_{4}.
• This includes the lack of spontaneous edge currents and split transitions under strain.
• This work opens new avenues for understanding superconductivity in Sr_{2}RuO_{4}.