Topological Hall Effect in Inhomogeneous Superconductors

TL;DR

This paper proposes a mechanism for the topological Hall effect in inhomogeneous superconductors, linking Berry phase effects to quasiparticle dynamics in modulated superconducting states, especially the FFLO state.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mechanism for the topological Hall effect arising from Berry phase effects in spatially modulated superconducting states, particularly the FFLO state.

Findings

Topological Hall effect can be induced by Berry phase in inhomogeneous superconductors.

Detection of the effect is possible via electromagnetic waves with specific wave numbers.

The mechanism applies to Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov states.

Abstract

We propose a possible mechanism of topological Hall effect in inhomogeneous superconducting states. In our scenario, the Berry phase effect associated with spatially modulated superconducting order parameter gives rise to a fictitious Lorentz force acting on quasiparticles. In the case of the Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov state, the topological Hall effect is detected by applying an electromagnetic wave with a tuned wave number on a surface of the system.