Terahertz range polarization rotation in the candidate time-reversal symmetry breaking superconductor BiNi

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the detection of time-reversal symmetry breaking in a BiNi superconductor using advanced terahertz polarimetry, revealing minute polarization rotations indicative of TRS-breaking superconductivity.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel high-precision THz polarimetry technique and provides direct THz-range Hall conductivity measurements linked to TRS-breaking in a superconductor.

Findings

Detection of the smallest polarization rotation in THz light to date.

Observation of low-frequency Kerr rotation consistent with TRS-breaking.

Linking low-energy THz measurements to high-frequency MOKE data.

Abstract

Here we report the observation of time-reversal symmetry (TRS) breaking superconductivity in a BiNi bilayer using terahertz (THz) polarimetry. Leveraging a novel high-precision THz polarimetry technique, we detect, in the superconducting state and at zero magnetic field, the smallest polarization rotation of THz light measured to date. By using the MgO substrate itself as an optical resonator, we can reference the Faraday and Kerr rotations to each other. We observe a low-frequency Kerr rotation on the order of several hundred microradians in the superconducting phase, a clear signature consistent with TRS-breaking superconductivity. Our measurements enable direct access to the THz-range Hall conductivity. Through a Kramers-Kronig analysis, we link these low-energy measurements to prior high-frequency magneto-optic Kerr effect (MOKE) data. This connection provides critical insight into the nature of the TRS-breaking state, supporting a multiband superconducting scenario over a disordered single-band interpretation for the origin of the Kerr effect.