Coexistence of Ferromagnetism and Superconductivity at KTaO<sub>3</sub> Heterointerfaces
Zhongfeng Ning, Qian Jiahui, Yixin Liu, Fan Chen, Mingzhu Zhang, Liwei Deng, Xinli Yuan, Q. Q. Ge, Hua Jin, Guanqun Zhang, Wei Peng, Shan Qiao, Gang Mu, Yan Chen, Wei Li
Abstract
The coexistence of superconductivity and ferromagnetism is a long-standing issue in superconductivity due to the antagonistic nature of these two ordered states. Experimentally identifying and characterizing novel heterointerface superconductors that coexist with magnetism presents significant challenges. Here, we report the observation of two-dimensional long-range ferromagnetic order in a KTaO 3 heterointerface superconductor, showing the coexistence of superconductivity and ferromagnetism. Remarkably, our direct current superconducting quantum interference device measurements reveal an in-plane magnetization hysteresis loop persisting above room temperature. Moreover, first-principles calculations and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements provide decisive insights into the origin of the observed robust ferromagnetism, attributing it to oxygen vacancies that localize electrons in nearby Ta 5 d states. Our findings suggest KTaO 3 heterointerfaces as time-reversal symmetry breaking superconductors, injecting fresh momentum into the exploration of the intricate interplay between superconductivity and magnetism enhanced by the strong spin–orbit coupling inherent to the heavy Ta in 5 d orbitals.