Theoretical possibilities for flat-band superconductivity

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of flat-band systems for high-temperature superconductivity, comparing multi-band and single-band approaches, and highlighting the role of topology and entanglement in enhancing superconducting properties.

Contribution

It introduces a comparative analysis of flat-band superconductivity in multi-band and single-band systems, emphasizing the impact of topology and band proximity to the Fermi level.

Findings

Superconductivity can be induced when flat bands are near the Fermi energy.

Topological flat bands offer large entanglement beneficial for superconductivity.

Different pairing symmetries (d and p waves) can emerge depending on the band structure.

Abstract

One novel arena for designing superconductors with high $T_C$ is the flat-band systems. A basic idea is that flat bands, arising from quantum mechanical interference, give unique opportunities for enhancing $T_C$ with (i) many pair-scattering channels between the dispersive and flat bands, and (ii) an even more interesting situation when the flat band is topological and highly entangled. Here we compare two routes, which comprise a multi-band system with a flat band coexisting with dispersive ones, and a one-band case with a portion of the band being flat. Superconductivity can be induced in both cases when the flat band or portion is "incipient" (close to, but away from, the Fermi energy). Differences are, for the multi-band case, we can exploit large entanglement associated with topological states, while for the one-band case a transition between different (d and p) wave pairings can arise. These hint at some future directions.