Band structure, superconductivity and polytypism in AuSn${}_4$

Abstract

The orthorhombic compound AuSn4 is compositionally similar to the Dirac node arc semimetal PtSn${}_4$. AuSn${}_4$ is, contrary to PtSn${}_4$, superconducting with a critical temperature of T${}_c$ = 2.35 K. Recent measurements present indications for quasi two-dimensional superconducting behavior in AuSn${}_4$. Here we present measurements of the superconducting density of states and the band structure of AuSn${}_4$ through Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and Angular Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy (ARPES). The superconducting gap values in different portions of the Fermi surface are spread around Δ0 = 0.4 meV, which is close to but somewhat larger than $\Delta =$ 1.76kBT${}_c$ expected from BCS theory. We observe superconducting features in the tunneling conductance at the surface up to temperatures about 20% larger than bulk Tc. The band structure calculated with Density Functional Theory (DFT) follows well the results of ARPES. The crystal structure presents two possible stackings of Sn layers, giving two nearly degenerate polytypes. This makes AuSn${}_4$ a rather unique case with a three dimensional electronic band structure but properties ressembling those of low dimensional layered compounds.

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• Experimental detection of topological electronic state and large linear magnetoresistance in $SrS{n}_4$ superconductor
• Visualization of Unconventional Rashba Band and Vortex Zero Mode in Topopogical Superconductor Candidate AuSn${}_4$
• Superconducting density of states and vortex lattice of LaRu${}_2$P${}_2$ observed by Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy
• Intrinsic defect intolerance in the ultra-pure metal PtSn${}_4$
• Low temperature phase of AuSn${}_4$ induced by the van der Waals interactions
• Scanning tunneling spectroscopy of superconducting nitridized aluminum thin films
• Single-gap Isotropic $s-$wave Superconductivity in Single Crystals ${\text{AuSn}}_4$