Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Comparison of Two Different Synthesis Methods of Single Crystals of Superconducting Uranium Ditelluride
Published on: July 8, 2021
Insulator-Metal Transition and Topological Superconductivity in UTe_{2} from a First-Principles Calculation
Jun Ishizuka1, Shuntaro Sumita1, Akito Daido1
1Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
Abstract:
We theoretically study superconductivity in UTe_{2}, which is a recently discovered strong candidate for an odd-parity spin-triplet superconductor. Theoretical studies for this compound faced difficulty because first-principles calculations predict an insulating electronic state, incompatible with superconducting instability. To overcome this problem, we take into account electron correlation effects by a GGA+U method and show the insulator-metal transition by Coulomb interaction. Using Fermi surfaces obtained as a function of U, we clarify topological properties of possible superconducting states. Fermi surface formulas for the three-dimensional winding number and three two-dimensional Z_{2} numbers indicate topological superconductivity at an intermediate U for all the odd-parity pairing symmetry in the Immm space group. Symmetry and topology of superconducting gap nodes are analyzed and the gap structure of UTe_{2} is predicted. Topologically protected low-energy excitations are highlighted, and experiments by bulk and surface probes are proposed to link Fermi surfaces and pairing symmetry. Based on the results, we also discuss multiple superconducting phases under magnetic fields, which were implied by recent experiments.
Related Concept Videos
Types Of Superconductors
Theory of Metallic Conduction
In this theory, Newton's second law of motion is used to determine the acceleration of an electron in the presence of an applied electric field. Then, its velocity is expressed via this acceleration.
An electron moves through the crystal, containing positive ions,...
Properties of Transition Metals
Superconductor
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Ferromagnetism

