Spatial control of heavy-fermion superconductivity in CeIrIn5
Journal
Science
Journal Volume
366
Journal Issue
6462
Start Page
221
End Page
226
ISSN
0036-8075
1095-9203
Date Issued
2019-10-11
Author(s)
Maja D. Bachmann
G. M. Ferguson
Florian Theuss
Tobias Meng
Carsten Putzke
Toni Helm
K. R. Shirer
K. A. Modic
Michael Nicklas
Markus König
D. Low
Sayak Ghosh
Andrew P. Mackenzie
Frank Arnold
Elena Hassinger
Ross D. McDonald
Laurel E. Winter
Eric D. Bauer
Filip Ronning
B. J. Ramshaw
Katja C. Nowack
Philip J. W. Moll
Abstract
Although crystals of strongly correlated metals exhibit a diverse set of electronic ground states, few approaches exist for spatially modulating their properties. In this study, we demonstrate disorder-free control, on the micrometer scale, over the superconducting state in samples of the heavy-fermion superconductor CeIrIn5. We pattern crystals by focused ion beam milling to tailor the boundary conditions for the elastic deformation upon thermal contraction during cooling. The resulting nonuniform strain fields induce complex patterns of superconductivity, owing to the strong dependence of the transition temperature on the strength and direction of strain. These results showcase a generic approach to manipulating electronic order on micrometer length scales in strongly correlated matter without compromising the cleanliness, stoichiometry, or mean free path.
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Type
journal article