Band-resolved Caroli–de Gennes–Matricon states of multiple-flux-quanta vortices in a multiband superconductor

• Published in: Science advances Vol. 9; no. 36; p. eadh9163
• Main Authors: Gozlinski, Thomas, Li, Qili, Heid, Rolf, Nemoto, Ryohei, Willa, Roland, Yamada, Toyo Kazu, Schmalian, Jörg, Wulfhekel, Wulf
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Association for the Advancement of Science 08.09.2023
• Subjects: Condensed Matter Physics; Physical and Materials Sciences; SciAdv r-articles
• ISSN: 2375-2548; 2375-2548
• DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh9163

Superconductors are of type I or II depending on whether they form an Abrikosov vortex lattice. Although bulk lead (Pb) is classified as a prototypical type-I superconductor, we show that its two-band superconductivity allows for single-flux-quantum and multiple-flux-quanta vortices in the intermediate state at millikelvin temperature. Using scanning tunneling microscopy, the winding number of individual vortices is determined from the real space wave function of its Caroli–de Gennes–Matricon bound states. This generalizes the topological index theorem put forward by Volovik for isotropic electronic states to realistic electronic structures. In addition, the bound states due to the two superconducting bands of Pb can be separately detected and the two gaps close independently inside vortices. This yields strong evidence for a low interband coupling. Microscopic evidence reveals a multiple-flux-quanta vortex phase in bulk lead.