Quantum effects in graphitic materials: Colossal magnetoresistance, Andreev reflections, Little-Parks effect, ferromagnetism, and granular superconductivity

TL;DR

This study investigates quantum phenomena in modified graphitic materials, revealing effects like Andreev reflection, colossal magnetoresistance, Little-Parks oscillations, ferromagnetism, and granular superconductivity, with implications for quantum electronics.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence of multiple quantum effects in graphitic materials, including Andreev reflection and topological states, using four-point transport measurements.

Findings

Negative nonlocal conductance indicates crossed Andreev reflection.

Colossal magnetoresistance exhibits quantum oscillations.

Evidence of granular superconductivity and ferromagnetism in graphitic samples.

Abstract

Unlike the more common local conductance spectroscopy, nonlocal conductance can differentiate between nontopological zero-energy modes localized around inhomogeneities, and true Majorana edge modes in the topological phase. In particular, negative nonlocal conductance is dominated by the crossed Andreev reflection. In graphene, the Andreev reflection and the inter-band Klein tunneling couple electron-like and hole-like states through the action of either a superconducting (SC) pair potential or an electrostatic potential. We are here probing quantum phenomena in modified graphitic samples. Four-point contact transport measurements at cryogenic to room temperatures were conducted using a Quantum Design Physical Property Measurement System. The observed negative nonlocal differential conductance Gdiff probes the Andreev reflection at the walls of the SC grains coupled by Josephson effect through the semiconducting matrix. In addition, Gdiff shows the butterfly shape that is characteristic to resistive random-access memory devices. In a magnetic field, the Andreev reflection counters the effect of the otherwise lowered conduction. At low temperatures, the magnetoresistance shows irreversible yet strong colossal oscillations that are known to be quantum in nature. In addition, we have found evidence for seemingly granular SC as well as ferromagnetism. Moreover, the Little-Parks effect is revealed in both the classical small-amplitude and the phase-slip driven large-amplitude oscillations in the magnetoresistance. Thus, graphitic materials show potential for quantum electronics applications, including rectification and topological states.