Two-Dimensional Superconductivity at the Titanium Sesquioxide Heterointerface

ACS Nano. 2022 Oct 25;16(10):16150-16157. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04795. Epub 2022 Sep 19.

Abstract

The study of exotic superconductivity in two dimensions has been a central theme in the solid state and materials research communities. Experimentally exploring and identifying exotic, fascinating interface superconductors with a high transition temperature (Tc) are challenging. Here, we report an experimental observation of intriguing two-dimensional superconductivity with a Tc of up to 3.8 K at the interface between a Mott insulator Ti2O3 and polar semiconductor GaN. At the verge of superconductivity, we also observe a striking quantum metallic-like state, demonstrating that it is a precursor to the two-dimensional superconductivity as the temperature is decreased. Our work shows an exciting opportunity to exploit the underlying, emergent quantum phenomena at the heterointerfaces via heterostructure engineering.

Keywords: heterointerface; heterostructure engineering; quantum metallic-like state; superconductivity; two dimensions.