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Superconductivity in a van der Waals layered quasicrystal
Yuki Tokumoto1, Kotaro Hamano2, Sunao Nakagawa2
1Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan. tokumoto@iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp.
Nature Communications
|March 1, 2024
Summary
Superconductivity was discovered in a novel van der Waals layered quasicrystal of Ta1.6Te. This finding opens new avenues for exploring physical properties of quasicrystals and advancing superconductivity research.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Solid-State Chemistry
Background:
- Van der Waals layered transition-metal chalcogenides exhibit unique physical properties.
- These materials are typically crystalline, with limited study on their quasicrystalline counterparts.
- The physical properties of van der Waals layered quasicrystals remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physical properties of van der Waals layered quasicrystals.
- To report the discovery of superconductivity in a novel van der Waals layered quasicrystal.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of Ta1.6Te quasicrystal.
- Measurement of electrical resistivity.
- Analysis of magnetic susceptibility.
- Specific heat measurements.
Main Results:
- Discovery of bulk superconductivity in Ta1.6Te van der Waals layered quasicrystal.
- Superconducting transition temperature (Tc) observed at approximately 1 Kelvin.
- Unambiguous validation of superconductivity through multiple physical property measurements.
Conclusions:
- Superconductivity is demonstrated in a van der Waals layered quasicrystal for the first time.
- This discovery encourages research into novel van der Waals layered quasicrystals and 2D quasicrystals.
- It opens new possibilities for superconductivity in thermodynamically stable quasicrystal systems.
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