Superconductivity in the nodal-line compound La$_3$Pt$_3$Bi$_4$

TL;DR

This study combines theoretical calculations and experimental measurements to show that La$_3$Pt$_3$Bi$_4$ is a topologically nontrivial nodal-ring semimetal exhibiting bulk superconductivity at around 1.1 K, offering a platform for exploring topological superconductivity.

Contribution

The paper demonstrates that La$_3$Pt$_3$Bi$_4$ is a topologically nontrivial nodal-ring semimetal with superconductivity, combining first-principles calculations and experimental evidence.

Findings

La$_3$Pt$_3$Bi$_4$ is a topological nodal-ring semimetal.

Superconductivity observed with T_c ~1.1 K.

Material protected by gliding-mirror symmetry.

Abstract

Owing to the specific topological states in nodal-line semimetals, novel topological superconductivity is expected to emerge in these systems. In this letter, by combination of the first-principles calculations and resistivity, susceptibility and specific heat measurements, we demonstrate that La$_3$Pt$_3$Bi$_4$ is a topologically nontrivial nodal-ring semimetal protected by the gliding-mirror symmetry even in the presence of spin-orbit coupling. Meanwhile, we discover bulk superconductivity with a transition temperature of $\sim$1.1 K, and an upper critical field of $\sim$0.41 T. These findings demonstrate that La$_3$Pt$_3$Bi$_4$ provides a material platform for studying novel superconductivity in the nodal-ring system.