Misfit layer superconductors, tuneable bulk heterostructures with strong 2D effects

TL;DR

This paper explores layered 2D materials, including artificially prepared and naturally occurring structures, highlighting their unique quantum states like Ising and topological superconductivity, with implications for advanced solid-state devices.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of misfit layer superconductors and their tunable heterostructures exhibiting strong 2D effects and novel quantum states.

Findings

Identification of Ising superconductivity in layered systems

Natural electron doping in misfit structures enables topological superconductivity

Layered heterostructures have significant potential for solid-state applications

Abstract

Atomically thin layered materials are systems with zero limit bulk-to-surface ratio. Their physical properties are determined by two-dimensionality and strongly affected by interfacing with other systems. Therefore, they represent an accessible platform for the abundance of quantum effects that can be engineered by combining them into vertical stacks. Two types of layered systems are considered here - artificially prepared (exfoliated) van der Waals nanostructures, and naturally layered systems showing quasi 2D behaviour already in a bulk form. A special class of naturally layered materials is misfit structures combining atomic layers of hexagonal transition metal dichalcogenides and slabs of tetragonal ionic rare-earth monochalcogenides in the same superlattice. Both types of layered systems feature a new state of quantum matter, the Ising superconductivity extremely resilient to external magnetic field. A giant electron doping, natural to the misfit structures, can lead to topological superconductivity. Both systems can also be assembled into heterostructures combining different constituents. Layered 2D heterostructures have a large number of implications for many potential applications in solid-state devices.