Edge Currents in Superconductors

 


Topological materials have unique properties regarding the physical law guiding electrons. The wavefunction of these materials is twisted or knotted. When a topological material meets the surrounding space, the wavefunction must disentangle. To deal with this sudden change, the electrons behave differently than they do in the middle of the material.

What happens next is referred to as edge states. If the topological material is a superconductor, the edge and main body behave differently, although they are both superconductors. 

This is an interesting circumstance. An example is two touching bodies of water that do not mix.

The study was recently published in Nature Physics.

Researchers studied superconducting edge currents in a topological material called molybdenum telluride. (MoTe2). This substance can support in the huge changes with superconducting pairs. This is imperative because electron pairing is how electricity flows freely in a superconductor. 

Topological superconductors have been proven by theory. If confirmed this will change the next generation of quantum technology.

Topological materials comprise of anyons. Anyons remember their position, unlike electrons. This allows for their arrangement without errors.

Topological materials contain edge currents that can be used to control anyons. When MoTe2 becomes superconducting, it oscillates in a magnetic field. The edge current oscillates quicker than the bulk material. 

Superconducting currents are carried by paired electrons. The glue that holds the electrons together can have different symmetries and strengths. To augment this glue in MoTe2, researchers deposited niobium (Nb), as Nb has a stronger pair potential. The Nb pair potential is shared with the MoTe2 and the electrons begin to feel the stronger glue.

The sharing gives strength to the super current oscillation but shows incompatibility between Nb and MoTe2 pairs. The two can not merge. The wave function guiding the edge electrons switches between the two, according to which potential prevails. 

This study confirms two important things. First, the very existence of edge supercurrents. Secondly, they can be used to monitor the behavior of superconducting electrons. 

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