Magnetic field-induced novel insulating phase in 2D superconductors

TL;DR

This study investigates a new insulating phase in 2D superconductors induced by magnetic fields, revealing unique transport behaviors and a phase diagram that links superconducting and insulating states.

Contribution

It presents experimental evidence of a novel insulating phase with unique transport properties in 2D disordered superconductors under magnetic fields.

Findings

Non-monotonic resistance dependence on magnetic field

Finite superfluid stiffness in the insulating phase

Experimental phase diagram of disordered superconductors

Abstract

DC and finite frequency transport measurements of thin films of amorphous indium oxide that were driven through the critical point of superconductor-insulator transition by the application of perpendicular magnetic field are presented. The observation of non-monotonic dependence of resistance on magnetic field in the insulating phase, novel transport characteristics near the resistance peak and finite superfluid stiffness in the insulating phase are all discussed from the point of view that suggests a possible relation between the conduction mechanisms in the superconducting and insulating phases. The results are summarized in the form of an experimental phase diagram for disordered superconductors in the disorder-magnetic field plane.