Momentum space imaging of Cooper pairing in a half-Dirac-gas topological superconductor (a helical 2D topological superconductor)

TL;DR

This paper provides direct spectroscopic evidence of Cooper pairing in a half-Dirac-gas 2D topological superconductor, revealing unique superconducting properties influenced by spin and symmetry considerations, and establishing a platform for exploring fundamental physics phenomena.

Contribution

It demonstrates the existence of Cooper pairing in a half-Dirac-gas topological superconductor using spectroscopic methods, highlighting its distinct features and potential for testing exotic physics.

Findings

Superconductivity in a helical Dirac gas differs from ordinary 2D superconductors.

Time-reversal symmetry breaking impurities suppress Dirac electron pairing.

Momentum-space imaging confirms Cooper pairing in a 2D topological superconductor.

Abstract

Superconductivity in Dirac electrons has recently been proposed as a new platform between novel concepts in high-energy and condensed matter physics. It has been proposed that supersymmetry and exotic quasiparticles, both of which remain elusive in particle physics, may be realized as emergent particles in superconducting Dirac electron systems. Using artificially fabricated topological insulator-superconductor heterostructures, we present direct spectroscopic evidence for the existence of Cooper pairing in a half Dirac gas 2D topological superconductor. Our studies reveal that superconductivity in a helical Dirac gas is distinctly different from that of in an ordinary two-dimensional superconductor while considering the spin degrees of freedom of electrons. We further show that the pairing of Dirac electrons can be suppressed by time-reversal symmetry breaking impurities removing the distinction. Our demonstration and momentum-space imaging of Cooper pairing in a half Dirac gas and its magnetic behavior taken together serve as a critically important 2D topological superconductor platform for future testing of novel fundamental physics predictions such as emergent supersymmetry and quantum criticality in topological systems.