Emergent Superconductivity in Low Dimensions

This book explores the relationship between electronic correlations, dimensionality, inhomogeneities, and superconductivity in low-dimensional systems by studying single crystals of the quasi-one-dimensional Na2Mo6Se6, composed of MoSe filaments weakly coupled by Na atoms and subject to intrinsic disorder ( > 0). It shows that the Na2-Mo6Se6 displays strong electronic correlations in its normal state, whereas a superconducting ground state emerges from Anderson localized electrons. Two novel behaviors of the superconducting state are observed: first, a disorder induced enhancement of the superconducting transition temperature; second, a reentrant phase coherence with increasing temperature, magnetic field, and current. It also analyzes the intrinsic properties of Na2-Mo6Se6 are analyzed to offer a thorough understanding of these phenomena. The emergence of superconductivity in such low-dimensional systems provides a fruitful playground to explore electronic order and correlations.

Presents a variety of experimental techniques with supporting calculations to explore the relationship between electronic correlations, dimensionality, inhomogeneities, and superconductivity in low-dimensional systems Demonstrates that superconducting phase coherence can be recovered (reentrant) in low-dimensional materials (artificial superconducting nanocomposites) subjected to high temperatures, magnetic fields and electric currents Suggests that quasi-one-dimensional metals may also display anomalously correlated superconducting and/or magnetic ground states, thus opening an entirely new avenue of research in low-dimensional electronic materials

Auteur
Dr. Diane Ansermet completed her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at EPFL in Switzerland, where she studied Materials Sciences and Engineering. The equal contributions of physics, chemistry, and engineering were a great foundation for this young woman with an unquenchable thirst for learning. Her passion for physics started with the discovery of quantum mechanics, where invisible phenomena govern modern technologies. This new passion was coupled with her love for travelling and an increasing interest in Asian cultures and geography, and she moved to Nanyang Technological University in Singapore to complete her Master's thesis in the field of semiconductor nanowires. It was here that she was introduced to the wonderful world of low-dimensional superconductivity, and her journey became filled with novel discoveries and great collaborations.

Contenu

Superconductivity: History and Motivations.- Introduction and theory.- Experimental methods.- The quasi-one-dimensional Na2Mo6Se6.- The electronic normal state in Na2Mo6Se6.- Superconducting transition and pairing enhancement by disorder.- Reentrant phase coherence by Josephson coupling.- Summary and Outlook.