High-temperature topological superconductivity in twisted double-layer copper oxides

Various phenomena occur when two-dimensional materials, such as graphene or transition metal dichalcogenides, are assembled into bilayers with a twist between the individual layers. As an application of this paradigm, we predict that structures composed of two-monolayer-thin d-wave superconductors with a twist angle form a robust, fully gapped topological phase with spontaneously broken time-reversal symmetry and protected chiral Majorana edge modes. These structures can be realized by mechanically exfoliating van der Waals-bonded high-critical-temperature copper oxide materials, such as Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 + delta. Our symmetry arguments and detailed microscopic modelling suggest that this phase will form for a range of twist angles in the vicinity of 45 degrees, and will set in at a temperature close to the bulk superconducting critical temperature of 90 K. Therefore, this platform may provide a long-sought realization of a true high-temperature topological superconductor. Two monolayers of bismuth-containing cuprate will form a high-temperature topological superconductor when stacked with an approximately 45 degrees rotation between the layers.

Automated summary

When assembled into bilayers with a twist, two monolayers of bismuth-containing cuprate can form a high-temperature topological superconductor, leading to new physical phenomena.