Observation of Coexisting Weak Localization and Superconducting Fluctuations in Strained Sn1-xInxTe Thin Films

Topological superconductors have attracted tremendous excitement as they are predicted to host Majorana zero modes that can be utilized for topological quantum computing. Candidate topological superconductor Sn1-xInxTe thin films (0 < x < 0.3) grown by molecular beam epitaxy and strained in the (111) plane are shown to host quantum interference effects in the conductivity coexisting with superconducting fluctuations above the critical temperature T-c. An analysis of the normal state magnetoresistance reveals these effects. A crossover from weak antilocalization to localization is consistently observed in superconducting samples, indicating that superconductivity originates dominantly from charge carriers occupying trivial states that may be strongly spin-orbit split. A large enhancement of the conductivity is observed above T-c, indicating the presence of superconducting fluctuations. Our results motivate a re-examination of the debated pairing symmetry of this material when subjected to quantum confinement and lattice strain.

Automated summary

This study investigates the behavior of candidate topological superconductor Sn1-xInxTe thin films in the presence of quantum confinement and lattice strain. The results reveal the coexistence of quantum interference effects and superconducting fluctuations above the critical temperature T-c. The analysis of normal state magnetoresistance indicates a transition from weak antilocalization to localization in the superconducting samples, suggesting that superconductivity primarily originates from charge carriers occupying trivial states. Additionally, a significant enhancement of conductivity is observed above T-c, indicating the presence of superconducting fluctuations.