Two-dimensional superconductivity and magnetotransport from topological surface states in AuSn4 semimetal

Abstract

AbstractTopological materials such as Dirac or Weyl semimetals are new states of matter characterized by symmetry-protected surface states responsible for exotic low-temperature magnetotransport properties. Here, transport measurements on AuSn4 single crystals, a topological nodal-line semimetal candidate, reveal the presence of two-dimensional superconductivity with a transition temperature Tc ~ 2.40 K. The two-dimensional nature of superconductivity is verified by a Berezinsky–Kosterlitz–Thouless transition, Bose-metal phase, and vortex dynamics interpreted in terms of thermally-assisted flux motion in two dimensions. The normal-state magnetoconductivity at low temperatures is found to be well described by the weak-antilocalization transport formula, which has been commonly observed in topological materials, strongly supporting the scenario that normal-state magnetotransport in AuSn4 is dominated by the surface electrons of topological Dirac-cone states. The entire results are summarized in a phase diagram in the temperature–magnetic field plane, which displays different regimes of transport. The combination of two-dimensional superconductivity and surface-driven magnetotransport suggests the topological nature of superconductivity in AuSn4.