Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026
10:26
Fabrication and Characterization of Superconducting Resonators
Published on: May 21, 2016
11.9K
Proximity-induced surface superconductivity in Dirac semimetal Cd3As2
Ce Huang1,2, Benjamin T Zhou3, Huiqin Zhang1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
Nature Communications
|May 19, 2019
Summary
Researchers observed superconductivity on the surfaces of cadmium arsenide (Cd3As2) using niobium (Nb) hybrid structures. This proximity-induced surface superconductivity is a significant finding for Dirac semimetals.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Materials
Background:
- Cadmium arsenide (Cd3As2) is a three-dimensional Dirac semimetal with unique electronic properties.
- Superconductivity in the surface states of Cd3As2 has not been experimentally confirmed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the possibility of proximity-induced superconductivity in niobium (Nb)/Cd3As2 hybrid structures.
- To provide evidence for superconductivity in the surface states of Dirac semimetals.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Nb/Cd3As2 hybrid structures.
- Four-terminal transport measurements to detect superconducting properties.
- Differential conductance spectroscopy to analyze the pairing gap.
- Theoretical simulations to support experimental findings.
- Magnetic field-dependent measurements of supercurrent in Nb/Cd3As2/Nb junctions.
Main Results:
- Observation of a significant proximity-induced pairing gap on the surfaces of Cd3As2, comparable in size to that of Nb.
- Differential conductance spectra showed a flat plateau, consistent with theoretical predictions.
- Achieved surface supercurrent in Nb/Cd3As2/Nb junctions, exhibiting Fraunhofer and SQUID-like patterns under varying magnetic fields.
- Mapping indicated that superconductivity predominantly occurs on the top and bottom surfaces, especially when bulk carriers are depleted.
Conclusions:
- The study provides compelling evidence for proximity-induced surface superconductivity in the Dirac semimetal Cd3As2.
- This finding establishes a higher-dimensional analog of edge supercurrent observed in quantum spin Hall insulators.
- The results open new avenues for exploring superconductivity in topological materials.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Factors Influencing Attraction I: Proximity
254
Proximity plays a fundamental role in shaping interpersonal attraction by increasing opportunities for interaction and fostering familiarity. Research consistently demonstrates that individuals are more likely to form social bonds with those who are physically closer to them, whether in residential settings, workplaces, or educational institutions. This effect is largely driven by the increased frequency of encounters, which facilitates the development of friendships and romantic...
254
01:21Cell-surface Signaling
54.0K
Hormones—or any molecule that binds to a receptor, known as a ligand—that are lipid-insoluble (water-soluble) are not able to diffuse across the cell membrane. In order to be able to affect a cell without entering it, these hormones bind to receptors on the cell membrane. When a first messenger, a hormone, binds to a receptor, a signal cascade is set off, causing second messengers, proteins inside the cell, to become activated, resulting in downstream effects.
54.0K
01:16Surface Tension and Surface Energy
3.2K
When a paint brush is immersed in water, the bristles wave freely inside the water. When it is taken out, the bristles stick together. The reason behind this effect is surface tension.
Consider a beaker filled with liquid. The bulk molecules in the liquid experience equal attractive forces on all sides with the surrounding molecules. However, the surface molecules experience a net attractive force downward due to the bulk molecules. The surface of the liquid behaves like a stretched membrane,...
Consider a beaker filled with liquid. The bulk molecules in the liquid experience equal attractive forces on all sides with the surrounding molecules. However, the surface molecules experience a net attractive force downward due to the bulk molecules. The surface of the liquid behaves like a stretched membrane,...
3.2K
01:14Wood Surfacing
351
Wood surfacing is a critical finishing process designed to smoothen the wood surface, enhance its dimensional accuracy, and make handling safer. This process compensates for potential shrinkage during the seasoning phase by marginally increasing the wood dimensions before surfacing. It also helps correct some distortions that may occur as the wood dries.
The equipment used in the surfacing process is a plane equipped with rotating blades. This tool efficiently smoothens the wood surface and can...
The equipment used in the surfacing process is a plane equipped with rotating blades. This tool efficiently smoothens the wood surface and can...
351
01:23Surface Appendages of Archaea
623
Archaeal surface appendages are highly specialized structures essential for environmental adaptation, encompassing roles in adhesion, biofilm formation, and motility. Among these appendages, pili and archaella stand out for their distinct morphologies and functionalities, enabling archaea to thrive in diverse and often extreme environments.Pili: Adhesion and Biofilm FormationPili are filamentous structures assembled from pilin protein subunits, primarily contributing to adhesion and biofilm...
623
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
2.7K
The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
2.7K