Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Fabrication and Characterization of Superconducting Resonators
Published on: May 21, 2016
Surface-Limited Superconducting Phase Transition on 1 T-TaS2
Ziying Wang1, Yi-Yang Sun2, Ibrahim Abdelwahab1
1Department of Chemistry, Centre for Advanced 2D Materials , National University of Singapore , Singapore 117543.
Researchers controlled superconductivity in a 2D material, 1T-TaS2, by inducing a phase transition. This method creates robust 2D superconductivity on bulk crystals, paving the way for resistance-free electronic circuits.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Two-dimensional (2D) materials are crucial for developing novel electronic devices.
- Controlling superconducting phase transitions in 2D materials is key for creating resistance-free circuits.
- 1T-TaS2 is a material of interest for its unique electronic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a method for inducing and controlling superconducting phase transitions on the surface of bulk 1T-TaS2.
- To investigate the superconducting properties of monolayer 2H-TaS2 prepared via a surface-limited phase transition.
- To explore the potential for creating 2D resistance-free electronic circuits using this approach.
Main Methods:
- Inducing a 1T-to-2H phase transition on the topmost monolayer of bulk 1T-TaS2 via thermal annealing.
- Characterizing the phase-switched monolayer using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).
- Measuring the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of the modified material.
Main Results:
- A superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 2.1 K was observed for monolayer 2H-TaS2 on bulk 1T-TaS2, significantly enhanced compared to bulk 2H-TaS2.
- A 3x3 charge density wave (CDW) was detected in the phase-switched monolayer at 4.5 K.
- The enhanced Tc is attributed to suppressed CDW and charge-transfer doping from the 1T substrate.
- The monolayer 2H-TaS2 could be switched back to the 1T phase using voltage pulses.
Conclusions:
- A surface-limited superconducting phase transition can be controllably induced on bulk 1T-TaS2.
- This method provides a convenient way to prepare robust 2D superconductivity without sample exfoliation.
- The findings offer a promising route for fabricating 2D resistance-free electronic circuits.
Related Concept Videos
Phase Transitions
Phase Transitions: Sublimation and Deposition
Phase Transitions: Melting and Freezing
Phase Transitions: Vaporization and Condensation
Phase Diagrams
Properties of Transition Metals

