Tunable vortex bound states in multiband CsV3Sb5-derived kagome superconductors

Sci Bull (Beijing). 2024 Apr 15;69(7):885-892. doi: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.01.036. Epub 2024 Jan 28.

Abstract

Vortices and bound states offer an effective means of comprehending the electronic properties of superconductors. Recently, surface-dependent vortex core states have been observed in the newly discovered kagome superconductors CsV3Sb5. Although the spatial distribution of the sharp zero energy conductance peak appears similar to Majorana bound states arising from the superconducting Dirac surface states, its origin remains elusive. In this study, we present observations of tunable vortex bound states (VBSs) in two chemically-doped kagome superconductors Cs(V1-xTrx)3Sb5 (Tr = Ta or Ti), using low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy. The CsV3Sb5-derived kagome superconductors exhibit full-gap-pairing superconductivity accompanied by the absence of long-range charge orders, in contrast to pristine CsV3Sb5. Zero-energy conductance maps demonstrate a field-driven continuous reorientation transition of the vortex lattice, suggesting multiband superconductivity. The Ta-doped CsV3Sb5 displays the conventional cross-shaped spatial evolution of Caroli-de Gennes-Matricon bound states, while the Ti-doped CsV3Sb5 exhibits a sharp, non-split zero-bias conductance peak (ZBCP) that persists over a long distance across the vortex. The spatial evolution of the non-split ZBCP is robust against surface effects and external magnetic field but is related to the doping concentrations. Our study reveals the tunable VBSs in multiband chemically-doped CsV3Sb5 system and offers fresh insights into previously reported Y-shaped ZBCP in a non-quantum-limit condition at the surface of kagome superconductor.

Keywords: Chemical doping; Kagome superconductor; Majorana bound states; Vortex bound states; Vortex lattice transition.