Multigap superconductivity with non-trivial topology in a Dirac semimetal PdTe

TL;DR

This paper investigates the multigap superconductivity and non-trivial topological properties of PdTe, a Dirac semimetal, through electrical transport, magnetization measurements, and quantum oscillation analysis, revealing its unconventional superconducting and topological nature.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed experimental evidence of multigap superconductivity and non-trivial Berry phase in PdTe, linking its Dirac semimetal characteristics to its superconducting behavior.

Findings

Observation of anisotropic upper critical field in PdTe.

Detection of de Haas-Van Alphen oscillations indicating two Fermi pockets.

Confirmation of a non-trivial Berry phase {} in PdTe.

Abstract

Recently, PdTe has been identified as a Dirac semimetal with potential for unconventional superconductivity based on ARPES measurements. This study presents electrical transport and magnetization measurements conducted on high-quality single crystals of PdTe. Anisotropy in the upper critical magnetic field is observed in resistivity versus temperature data measured under various applied magnetic fields for in-plane (B II ab ) and out-of-plane (B II c) orientations. The magnetic field versus temperature (H - T) phase diagram extracted from resistivity data exhibits an upward curvature akin to several multigap superconductors. Additionally, magnetization measurements reveal de Haas-Van Alphen (dHvA) oscillations in both B II ab and B II c orientations. Fourier analysis of the quantum oscillations identifies two Fermi pockets. Moreover, the Landau fan diagram for a small Fermi pocket confirms a non-trivial Berry phase {\pi}, indicative of the Dirac nature of PdTe. Based on quantum oscillation data, a plausible band diagram is constructed.