Pairing symmetry of twisted bilayer graphene: A phenomenological synthesis

One of the outstanding questions in the study of twisted bilayer graphene-from both experimental and theoretical points of view-is the nature of its superconducting phase. In this paper we perform a comprehensive synthesis of existing experiments, and argue that experimental constraints are strong enough to allow the structure of the superconducting order parameter to be nearly uniquely determined. In particular, we argue that the order parameter is nodal, and is formed from an admixture of spin-singlet and spin-triplet Cooper pairs. This argument is made on phenomenological grounds, without committing to any particular microscopic model of the superconductor. Existing data is insufficient to determine the orbital parity of the order parameter, which could be either p wave or d wave. We propose a way in which the measurement of Andreev edge states can be used to distinguish between the two.

Automated summary

In this study, the nature of the superconducting phase in twisted bilayer graphene is investigated through a comprehensive synthesis of existing experiments. The paper argues that experimental constraints are strong enough to determine the structure of the superconducting order parameter, which is found to be nodal and composed of a mixture of spin-singlet and spin-triplet Cooper pairs. The orbital parity of the order parameter, however, remains unknown and could either be p wave or d wave. A proposed method for distinguishing between the two is discussed using the measurement of Andreev edge states.