Proximity-effect-induced superconductivity in topological insulator-related material Bi2Se3

Abstract

We have studied the electron transport properties of topological insulator-related material Bi2Se3 near the superconducting Pb-Bi2Se3 interface, and found that a superconducting state is induced over an extended volume in Bi2Se3. This state can carry a Josephson supercurrent, and demonstrates a gap-like structure in the conductance spectra as probed by a normal-metal electrode. The establishment of the gap is not by confining the electrons into a narrow space close to the superconductor-normal metal interface, as previously observed in other systems, but presumably via electron-electron attractive interaction in Bi2Se3.

Quantum interference and Aharonov–Bohm oscillations in topological insulators

“…193 and 194. As a first step in the direction towards the observation of the Majorana mode, and of intrinsic interest by itself, proximity effect and a Josephson current through TI surfaces has been demonstrated. [195][196][197][198][199][200] Both Shapiro steps in the presence of microwave irradiation 197 and Fraunhofer interference pattern induced by a magnetic field 196,198 have been observed. The temperature dependence of the data in Ref.…”