Non-linear $IV$ characteristics in two-dimensional superconductors: Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless physics vs inhomogeneity

Abstract

One of the hallmarks of the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition in two-dimensional (2D) superconductors is the universal jump of the superfluid density, that can be indirectly probed via the non-linear exponent of the current-voltage $IV$ characteristics. Here, we compare the experimental measurements of $IV$ characteristics in two cases, namely NbN thin films and SrTiO${}_3$-based interfaces. While the former display a paradigmatic example of BKT-like non-linear effects, the latter do not seem to justify a BKT analysis. Rather, the observed $IV$ characteristics can be well reproduced theoretically by modelling the effect of mesoscopic inhomogeneity of the superconducting state. Our results offer an alternative perspective on the spontaneous fragmentation of the superconducting background in confined 2D systems.

Final version, as published

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• Nonlinear transport of Wigner solid phase surrounding the two-flux composite fermion liquid
• Two-dimensional superconductivity of the Ca-intercalated graphene on SiC: vital role of the interface between monolayer graphene and the substrate
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• Direct evidence for two-gap superconductivity in hydrogen-intercalated titanium diselenide