Z3-vestigial nematic order due to superconducting fluctuations in the doped topological insulators NbxBi2Se3 and CuxBi2Se3

Chang-woo Cho, Junying Shen, Jian Lyu, Omargeldi Atanov, Qianxue Chen, Seng Huat Lee, Yew San Hor, Dariusz Jakub Gawryluk, Ekaterina Pomjakushina, Marek Bartkowiak, Matthias Hecker, Jörg Schmalian and Rolf Lortz ()
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Chang-woo Cho: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Junying Shen: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Jian Lyu: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Omargeldi Atanov: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Qianxue Chen: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Seng Huat Lee: Missouri University of Science and Technology
Yew San Hor: Missouri University of Science and Technology
Dariusz Jakub Gawryluk: Laboratory for Multiscale Materials Experiments, Paul Scherrer Institute
Ekaterina Pomjakushina: Laboratory for Multiscale Materials Experiments, Paul Scherrer Institute
Marek Bartkowiak: Laboratory for Neutron and Muon Instrumentation, Paul Scherrer Institute
Matthias Hecker: Institute for Theory of Condensed Matter and Institute for Quantum Materials and Technologies, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Jörg Schmalian: Institute for Theory of Condensed Matter and Institute for Quantum Materials and Technologies, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Rolf Lortz: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract A state of matter with a multi-component order parameter can give rise to vestigial order. In the vestigial phase, the primary order is only partially melted, leaving a remaining symmetry breaking behind, an effect driven by strong classical or quantum fluctuations. Vestigial states due to primary spin and charge-density-wave order have been discussed in iron-based and cuprate materials. Here we present the observation of a partially melted superconductivity in which pairing fluctuations condense at a separate phase transition and form a nematic state with broken Z3, i.e., three-state Potts-model symmetry. Thermal expansion, specific heat and magnetization measurements of the doped topological insulators NbxBi2Se3 and CuxBi2Se3 reveal that this symmetry breaking occurs at $${{T}}_{\mathrm{nem}} \simeq 3.8\,K$$ T nem ≃ 3.8 K above $${T}_{{\mathrm{c}}} \simeq 3.25\,K$$ T c ≃ 3.25 K , along with an onset of superconducting fluctuations. Thus, before Cooper pairs establish long-range coherence at Tc, they fluctuate in a way that breaks the rotational invariance at Tnem and induces a crystalline distortion.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16871-9

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