Superconductivity and quantum oscillations in crystalline Bi nanowire.
While bulk bismuth (Bi) is a semimetal, we have found clear evidence of superconductivity in 72 nm diameter crystalline Bi nanowire below 1.3 K. In a parallel magnetic field (H), the residual resistance of the nanowire below T(c) displays periodic oscillations with H, and the period corresponds to a superconducting flux quantum. This result indicates that the superconductivity originates from the cylindrical shell between Bi inner core and the surface oxide layer. Under a perpendicular H, the resistance in the superconducting state shows Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH)-like oscillations, a signature of a normal metal. These results suggest a novel coexistence of superconducting and metallic states in the temperatures well below T(c).
Tian
Mingliang
M
Department of Physics, Materials Research Institute, the Pennsylvania State University, Center for Nanoscale Science, Pennsylvania 16802-6300, USA. tian@phys.psu.edu
Wang
Jian
J
Zhang
Qi
Q
Kumar
Nitesh
N
Mallouk
Thomas E
TE
Chan
Moses H W
MH
D001729:Bismuth / Q000737:chemistry*; D003460:Crystallization; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D008422:Materials Testing; D036103:Nanotechnology; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry*; D009991:Oscillometry / Q000379:methods*; D010316:Particle Size; D011789:Quantum Theory; D013499:Surface Properties
D001729:Bismuth