Observation of superconductivity in the noncentrosymmetric nodal chain semimetal Ba5In4Bi5

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of superconductivity at 4.1 K in Ba5In4Bi5, a noncentrosymmetric topological semimetal with nodal chain features, offering a new platform to study topological superconductivity.

Contribution

First observation of superconductivity in Ba5In4Bi5, a noncentrosymmetric topological semimetal with nodal chain loops, highlighting its potential for topological superconductivity research.

Findings

Superconductivity observed at 4.1 K in Ba5In4Bi5.

Ba5In4Bi5 is a type-II BCS superconductor.

Bulk superconductivity confirmed by magnetization and specific heat.

Abstract

The combination with superconductivity and topological nontrivial band structure provides a promising route towards novel quantum states such as topological superconductivity. Here, we report the first observation of superconductivity (4.1 K) in Ba5In4Bi5 single crystal, a noncentrosymmetric topological semimetal featuring nodal chain loops at the high-symmetry points R and X. The magnetization, resistivity, and specific heat capacity measurements reveal that Ba5In4Bi5 is a moderately coupled type-II Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer superconductor. Bulk superconductivity is suggested from the magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements. The results show that Ba5In4Bi5 provides a new platform for exploring the relationship of superconductivity and topological nontrivial band topology.