Inhomogeneity of superconductivity in a disordered charge density wave material Pd-intercalated ErTe<sub>3</sub> measured using scanning SQUID microscopy

ORAL

Abstract

The rare-earth tri-tellurides RTe3 (R=La-Pr, Sm, Gd-Tm) are quasi-2D metals that show unidirectional incommensurate charge density wave (CDW) states. Pd intercalation introduces significant disorder to the crystal lattice, suppressing the CDW formation and leading to a superconducting ground state. The material presents an opportunity to explore in detail the interplay between superconductivity (SC) and CDW formation in the presence of disorder. Here we study the spatial variance of the superfluid response as a function of Pd concentration in PdxErTe3 (0<x<0.06) by using a scanning SQUID microscope with sub-micron spatial resolution. We quantify the inhomogeneity of the emergent superconductivity as the CDW is progressively disordered by the Pd intercalation. Our results clarify how the superconducting state emerges from the disordered CDW.

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Presenters

  • Yusuke Iguchi

    • Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University

Authors

  • Yusuke Iguchi

    • Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University

  • Joshua A Straquadine

    • Stanford Univ
    • Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University
    • Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University

  • John Robert Kirtley

    • Stanford Univ
    • Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University

  • Anisha Singh

    • Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University

  • Ian Fisher

    • Stanford University
    • Stanford Univ
    • Department of Applied Physics and Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Stanford University
    • Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials & Dept. of Applied Physics, Stanford University
    • Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University
    • Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Stanford University
    • Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University

  • Kathryn Ann Moler

    • Stanford Univ
    • Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University