Unique quantum metallic state in the titanium sesquioxide heterointerface superconductor

Abstract

The emergence of quantum metallic state marked by a saturating finite electrical resistance in the zero-temperature limit in a variety of two-dimensional superconductors injects an exciting momentum to the realm of heterostructure superconductivity. Despite much research efforts over last few decades, there is not yet a general consensus on the nature of this unexpected quantum metal. Here, we report the observation of a unique quantum metallic state within the hallmark of Bose-metal in the titanium sesquioxide heterointerface superconductor Ti${}_2$O${}_3$/GaN. Remarkably, the quantum bosonic metallic state continuously tuned by a magnetic field in the vicinity of the two-dimensional superconductivity-metal transition persists in the normal phase, indicating the existence of composite bosons formed by electron Cooper pairs even in the normal phase. Our findings provide a distinct evidence for electron pairing in the normal phase of heterointerface superconductors, and shed fresh light on the pairing nature underlying heterointerface superconductivity.

12 pages, 4 figures