Strong enhancement of superconductivity on finitely ramified fractal lattices

Abstract

Using the Sierpinski gasket (triangle) and carpet (square) lattices as examples, we theoretically study the properties of fractal superconductors. For that, we focus on the phenomenon of $s$-wave superconductivity in the Hubbard model with attractive on-site potential and employ the Bogoliubov-de Gennes approach and the theory of superfluid stiffness. For the case of the Sierpinski gasket, we demonstrate that fractal geometry of the underlying crystalline lattice can be strongly beneficial for superconductivity, not only leading to a considerable increase of the critical temperature $T_c$ as compared to the regular triangular lattice but also supporting macroscopic phase coherence of the Cooper pairs. In contrast, the Sierpinski carpet geometry does not lead to pronounced effects, and we find no substantial difference as compared with the regular square lattice. We conjecture that the qualitative difference between these cases is caused by different ramification properties of the fractals.

v3:14 pages, 24 figures; Hartree-Fock corrections taken into account, d.o.s. analysis performed, minor typos fixed. Robert Canyellas added as a coauthor thanks to his considerable contributions v2:11 pages, 24 figures; references added, a more realistic case of equilateral triangles/gaskets considered, spatial profiles of the Cooper pair density and superfluid stiffness on the square/carpet added