Superconductivity and Shubnikov - de Haas effect in polycrystalline Cd₃As₂ thin films

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Materials

Background:

• Superconductivity in topological materials is a frontier in condensed matter physics.
• Cadmium arsenide (Cd₃As₂) is a well-known topological Dirac semimetal with potential for novel electronic properties.
• Controlling superconducting states in thin films is crucial for fundamental research and applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To observe and characterize the reproducible superconducting state in Cd₃As₂ thin films.
• To investigate the influence of synthesis methods on superconducting critical parameters.
• To explore the relationship between the Dirac semimetal phase and superconductivity in Cd₃As₂.

Main Methods:

• Thin film synthesis of Cd₃As₂.
• X-ray diffraction for crystal phase analysis.
• High-field magnetoresistance measurements.
• Analysis of Shubnikov - de Haas oscillations.

Main Results:

• Reproducible superconducting state observed in Cd₃As₂ thin films without external stimuli.
• Tetragonal Cd₃As₂ crystal phase confirmed by X-ray diffraction.
• Pronounced Shubnikov - de Haas oscillations observed, indicating high carrier concentration.
• Critical parameters of superconductivity show tunability based on synthesis methods.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates controllable superconductivity in Cd₃As₂ thin films.
• The observed superconductivity may possess a topological nature, even with partial suppression of the Dirac semimetal phase.
• Cd₃As₂ thin films are promising candidates for exploring topological superconductivity.