Evidence for an edge supercurrent in the Weyl superconductor MoTe2

Abstract
Edge supercurrents in superconductors have long been an elusive target. Interest in them has reappeared in the context of topological superconductivity. We report evidence for the existence of a robust edge supercurrent in the Weyl superconductor molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2). In a magnetic field B, fluxoid quantization generates a periodic modulation of the edge condensate observable as a "fast-mode" oscillation of the critical current l c versus B. The fast-mode frequency is distinct from the conventional Fraunhofer oscillation displayed by the bulk supercurrent. We confirm that the fast-mode frequency increases with crystal area as expected for an edge supercurrent. In addition, weak excitation branches are resolved that display an unusual broken symmetry.
Funding Information
  • National Science Foundation (DMR 1420541)
  • Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (GBMF4539)
  • Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (GBMF-4412)
  • US Army Research Office ARO (W911NF-16-1- 0116)
  • US Department of Energy DOE (DE-SC0017863)