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Signature of magnetic-dependent gapless odd frequency states at superconductor/ferromagnet interfaces

Author

Listed:
  • A. Di Bernardo

    (University of Cambridge)

  • S. Diesch

    (University of Konstanz)

  • Y. Gu

    (University of Cambridge)

  • J. Linder

    (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

  • G. Divitini

    (University of Cambridge)

  • C. Ducati

    (University of Cambridge)

  • E. Scheer

    (University of Konstanz)

  • M.G. Blamire

    (University of Cambridge)

  • J.W.A. Robinson

    (University of Cambridge)

Abstract

The theory of superconductivity developed by Bardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer (BCS) explains the stabilization of electron pairs into a spin-singlet, even frequency, state by the formation of an energy gap within which the density of states is zero. At a superconductor interface with an inhomogeneous ferromagnet, a gapless odd frequency superconducting state is predicted, in which the Cooper pairs are in a spin-triplet state. Although indirect evidence for such a state has been obtained, the gap structure and pairing symmetry have not so far been determined. Here we report scanning tunnelling spectroscopy of Nb superconducting films proximity coupled to epitaxial Ho. These measurements reveal pronounced changes to the Nb subgap superconducting density of states on driving the Ho through a metamagnetic transition from a helical antiferromagnetic to a homogeneous ferromagnetic state for which a BCS-like gap is recovered. The results prove odd frequency spin-triplet superconductivity at superconductor/inhomogeneous magnet interfaces.

Suggested Citation

  • A. Di Bernardo & S. Diesch & Y. Gu & J. Linder & G. Divitini & C. Ducati & E. Scheer & M.G. Blamire & J.W.A. Robinson, 2015. "Signature of magnetic-dependent gapless odd frequency states at superconductor/ferromagnet interfaces," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-8, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms9053
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9053
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    Cited by:

    1. Felix Küster & Sascha Brinker & Samir Lounis & Stuart S. P. Parkin & Paolo Sessi, 2021. "Long range and highly tunable interaction between local spins coupled to a superconducting condensate," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-8, December.

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