Correlated Non-Gaussian phase fluctuations in LaAlO${}_3$/SrTiO${}_3$ heterointerface

Abstract

We probe the existence of large correlated non-Gaussian phase fluctuations in the vicinity of the superconducting phase transition in the conducting layer residing at the interface of LaAlO${}_3$/SrTiO${}_3$ heterostructures. The non-Gaussian fluctuations appear between the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition temperature $T_{BKT}$ and the mean field transition temperature $T_C$. Subsequent theoretical analysis reveals that non-Gaussianity arises predominantly due to the percolative transition of a Josephson coupled network of superconductors. Our results confirm that the superconductivity in this system is confined to two-dimensions. Our study of the non-Gaussian resistance fluctuation spectrum provides a novel means to explore the BKT-transition in two-dimensional inhomogeneous superconductors.

10 pages, 12 figures