J. G. Rodrigo

Imaging superconducting vortex cores and lattices with a scanning tunneling microscope

The observation of vortices in superconductors was a major breakthrough in developing the conceptual background for superconducting applications. Each vortex carries a flux quantum, and the magnetic field decreases radially from the center. Techniques used to make magnetic field maps, such as magnetic decoration, give vortex lattice images in a variety of systems. However, strong type II superconductors allow penetration of the magnetic field over large distances, of the order of the magnetic penetration depth λ. Superconductivity survives up to magnetic fields where, for imaging purposes, there is no magnetic contrast at all. Static and dynamic properties of vortices are largely unknown at such high magnetic fields. Reciprocal space studies using neutron scattering have been employed to obtain insight into the collective behavior. But the microscopic details of vortex arrangements and their motion remain difficult to obtain. Direct real-space visualization can be made using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/S). Instead of using magnetic contrast, the electronic density of states describes spatial variations of the quasiparticle and pair wavefunction properties. These are of the order of the superconducting coherence length ξ, which is much smaller than λ. In principle, individual vortices can be imaged using STM up to the upper critical field where vortex cores, of size ξ, overlap. In this review, we describe recent advances in vortex imaging made with scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. We introduce the technique and discuss vortex images that reveal the influence of the Fermi surface distribution of the superconducting gap on the internal structure of vortices, the collective behavior of the lattice in different materials and conditions, and the observation of vortex lattice melting. We consider challenging lines of work, which include imaging vortices in nanostructures, multiband and heavy fermion superconductors, single layers and van der Waals crystals, studying current-driven dynamics and the liquid vortex phases.

STM study of multiband superconductivity in NbSe2 using a superconducting tip

Abstract We present a method to produce superconducting tips to be used in scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy experiments. We use these tips to investigate the evolution of the electronic density of states of NbSe 2 from 0.3 K up to its critical temperature (7.2 K). The use of a superconducting tip (Pb) as counterelectrode provides an enhancement of the different features related to the DOS of NbSe 2 in the tunneling conductance curves, along all the studied thermal range. The analysis of the experimental results gives evidence of the presence of multiband superconductivity in NbSe 2 .

On the use of STM superconducting tips at very low temperatures

Abstract.We report on high quality local tunnel spectroscopy measurements in superconductors using in-situ fabricated superconducting tips as counterelectrode. The experiments were made at very low temperatures using a dilution refrigerator and a 3He cryostat. Spectra obtained with superconducting tip and sample of Al show that the spectroscopic resolution of our set-up is of 15 μeV. Following the observation of Josephson current in tunnelling regime (with tips of Pb and of Al), we discuss the feasibility of Scanning Josephson Spectroscopy with atomic size resolution. Experiments showing new applications of these superconducting tips under applied external magnetic fields are also reported.

Nanosized superconducting constrictions

Nanowires of lead between macroscopic electrodes are produced by means of an STM. Magnetic fields may destroy the superconductivity in the electrodes, while the wire remains in the superconducting state. The properties of the resulting microscopic Josephson junctions are investigated.

STM study of the atomic contact between metallic electrodes

Abstract A scanning tunneling microscope is used to investigate the phenomenon of the jump to contact between atomic size metalic surfaces. A statistical analysis of the conductance steps in atomic size gold contacts for different temperatures is performed.

Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy at very low temperatures

Abstract We discuss recent results and advances in very low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy in superconductors, focusing on the experimental developments that have permitted to extend the present applications of this technique to new materials. We detail the experimental apparatus used and discuss the results and the future possibilities of S–I–S tunneling using a superconducting tip and sample. Further on, we present results on the superconductivity of single grains of MgB 2 and compare them with other works. We also discuss recent data on the borocarbide material TmNi 2 B 2 C.

Chiral charge order in the superconductor 2H-TaS2

We observed chiral charge order in the superconductor 2H-TaS2 using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy at 0.1 K. Topographic images show hexagonal atomic lattice and charge density wave (CDW) with clockwise and counterclockwise charge modulations. Tunneling spectroscopy reveals the superconducting density of states, disappearing at Tc = 1.75 K and showing a wide distribution of values of the superconducting gap, centered around Δ = 0.28 meV.

Incommensurate and commensurate magnetic structures of the ternary germanide CeNiGe3

The structural properties of CeNiGe3 have been investigated via electron diffraction and neutron powder diffraction (NPD). This ternary germanide crystallizes in the orthorhombic SmNiGe3-type structure (Cmmm space group). Electrical resistivity, ac- and dc-magnetization measurements show that CeNiGe3 orders antiferromagnetically below TN = 5.5(2) K and exclude the occurrence at low temperatures of a spin-glass state for CeNiGe3 as previously reported. Specific heat measurements and NPD both reveal two magnetic transitions, observed at TN1 = 5.9(2) K and TN2 = 5.0(2) K. Between TN1 and TN2, the Ce magnetic moments in CeNiGe3 are ordered in a collinear antiferromagnetic structure associated with the k1 = (100) wavevector and showing a relationship with the magnetic structure of the Ce3Ni2Ge7 ternary germanide. Below TN2, this k1 = (100) commensurate magnetic structure coexists with an incommensurate helicoidal magnetic structure associated with k2 = (00.409(1)1/2). This last magnetic structure is highly preponderant below TN2 (93(5)% in volume). At 1.5 K, the Ce atoms in CeNiGe3 carry a reduced ordered magnetic moment (0.8(2) μB). This value, smaller than that obtained in Ce3Ni2Ge7, results from an important hybridization of the 4f(Ce) orbitals with those of the Ni and Ge ligands.

Superconducting nanostructures fabricated with the scanning tunnelling microscope

The properties of nanoscopic superconducting structures fabricated with a scanning tunnelling microscope are reviewed, with emphasis on the effects of high magnetic fields. These systems include the smallest superconducting junctions which can be fabricated, and they are a unique laboratory in which to study superconductivity under extreme conditions. The review covers a variety of recent experimental results on these systems, highlighting their unusual transport properties, and theoretical models developed for their understanding.

Superconducting nanobridges under magnetic fields

We report on the study of superconducting nanotips and nanobridges of lead with a Scanning Tunnelling Microscope in tunnel and point contact regimes. We deal with three different structures. A nanotip that remains superconducting under a field of 2 T. For this case we present model calculations of the order parameter, which are in good agreement with the experiments. An asymmetric nanobridge of lead showing a two steps loss of the Andreev excess current due to different heating and dissipation phenomena in each side of the structure. A study of the effect of the thermal fluctuations on the Josephson coupling between the two sides of a superconducting nanobridge submitted to magnetic fields. The different experiments were made under magnetic fields up to twenty five times the volume critical field of lead, and in a temperature range between 0.6 K and 7.2 K.