Inverse Proximity Effects at Spin-Triplet Superconductor-Ferromagnet Interface

TL;DR

This paper explores inverse proximity effects at the interface between spin-triplet superconductors and ferromagnets, revealing anisotropic signatures and stronger-than-expected spin polarization, with implications for detecting spin-triplet pairing.

Contribution

It demonstrates how magnetic orientation influences coexistence regions and uncovers anomalous magnetic proximity effects in SrRuO3-Sr2RuO4 heterostructures, aiding in identifying spin-triplet pairs.

Findings

Inverse proximity effects show anisotropy signatures.

Unexpectedly stronger spin polarization occurs with weaker magnetic proximity.

Potential detection of spin-triplet pairs in SrRuO3-Sr2RuO4 heterostructures.

Abstract

We investigate inverse proximity effects in a spin-triplet superconductor (TSC) interfaced with a ferromagnet (FM), assuming different types of magnetic profiles and chiral or helical pairings. The region of the coexistence of spin-triplet superconductivity and magnetism is significantly influenced by the orientation and spatial extension of the magnetization with respect to the spin configuration of the Cooper pairs, resulting into clearcut anisotropy signatures. A characteristic mark of the inverse proximity effect arises in the induced spin-polarization at the TSC interface. This is unexpectedly stronger when the magnetic proximity is weaker, thus unveiling immediate detection signatures for spin-triplet pairs. We show that an anomalous magnetic proximity can occur at the interface between the itinerant ferromagnet, SrRuO$_3$, and the unconventional superconductor Sr$_2$RuO$_4$. Such scenario indicates the potential to design characteristic inverse proximity effects in experimentally available SrRuO$_3$-Sr$_2$RuO$_4$ heterostructures and to assess the occurrence of spin-triplet pairs in the highly debated superconducting phase of Sr$_2$RuO$_4$.