Squeezed Abrikosov-Josephson Vortex in Atomic-Layer Pb Superconductors Formed on Vicinal Si(111) Substrates
Yudai Sato, Masahiro Haze, Ryohei Nemoto, Wenxuan Qian, Shunsuke Yoshizawa, Takashi Uchihashi, Yukio Hasegawa
Abstract
Unlike bulk counterparts, two-dimensional (2D) superconductors are sensitive to disorder. Here, we investigated superconductivity of Pb atomic layers formed on vicinal substrates to reveal how surface steps with an interval shorter than the coherence length ξ affect it. Electrical transport showed reduced critical temperature and enhanced critical magnetic field. Scanning tunneling microscopy exhibited vortices elongated along the steps, that is, Abrikosov-Josephson vortices squeezed normal to the steps due to the reduced ξ. These results demonstrate that steps work as disorder and vicinal substrates provide a unique platform to manipulate the degree of disorder on 2D superconductors.