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Unconventional self-similar Hofstadter superconductivity from repulsive interactions
Daniel Shaffer1, Jian Wang1, Luiz H Santos2
1Department of Physics, Emory University, 400 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
Nature Communications
|December 16, 2022
Summary
Researchers discovered a new way to create unconventional superconductivity in fractal Hofstadter bands using repulsive interactions and Van Hove singularities. This mechanism, controllable via flux and filling, leads to novel nodal and chiral topological superconductors.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Materials Science
Background:
- Fractal Hofstadter bands are now accessible via moiré superlattices, enabling interaction studies.
- Moiré superlattices offer tunable electronic properties crucial for novel quantum phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a new mechanism for unconventional superconductivity in Hofstadter bands.
- To explore the role of repulsive interactions and Van Hove singularities in driving superconductivity.
Main Methods:
- Renormalization group (RG) analysis was employed.
- The study controlled Van Hove singularities at the Fermi energy by tuning flux and electronic filling.
Main Results:
- A novel mechanism for unconventional superconductivity was demonstrated.
- Tunable Van Hove singularities drive instabilities toward nodal and chiral topological superconductivity.
- Chiral topological superconductivity exhibits self-similar RG flow and order parameter symmetry.
Conclusions:
- Hofstadter quantum materials, like moiré heterostructures, are promising platforms for novel reentrant superconductors.
- The findings open new avenues for exploring topological superconductivity in engineered quantum systems.
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