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Contact-induced Andreev bound states in normal-metal/superconductor planar junctions
Beilin Wang1,2,3, Linhai Guo1,2,3, Guopei Ying1,2,3
1CAS Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, and Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
This study explores Andreev bound states in unconventional superconductors using tunneling spectroscopy on a novel interface. Findings reveal distinct behaviors based on barrier strength, suggesting potential p-wave superconductivity.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Superconductivity
Background:
- Tunneling spectroscopy is crucial for understanding superconductor pairing mechanisms.
- Characterizing Andreev bound states in unconventional superconductivity via planar junctions is underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate Andreev bound states at the LaAlO3/KTaO3(111) superconducting interface using tunneling spectroscopy.
- Explore the influence of tunneling barrier strength on spectroscopic signatures.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication and characterization of normal-metal/superconductor planar junctions using the LaAlO3/KTaO3(111) interface.
- Performing tunneling spectroscopy with varying LaAlO3 barrier thicknesses.
- Theoretical calculations to support experimental observations.
Main Results:
- Observed distinct spectroscopic behaviors correlating with tunneling barrier strength.
- Pronounced double peaks within the superconducting gap for weak barriers due to strong coupling.
- Diminished in-gap peaks and a softened superconducting gap profile for strong barriers.
Conclusions:
- Confirmed the presence of contact-induced Andreev bound states in planar junctions.
- Provided evidence for potential p-wave superconductivity at the LaAlO3/KTaO3 interface.
- Established a universal method for identifying unconventional superconducting states.
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