Spectroscopic signatures of different symmetries of the superconducting order parameter in metal-decorated graphene

Motivated by the recent experiments indicating superconductivity in metal-decorated graphene sheets, we investigate their quasi-particle structure within the framework of an effective tight-binding Hamiltonian augmented by appropriate BCS-like pairing terms for p-type order parameter. The normal state band structure of graphene is modified not only through interaction with adsorbed metal atoms, but also due to the folding of bands at Brillouin zone boundaries resulting from a $\sqrt{3}\times\sqrt{3}R30^{\circ}$ reconstruction. Several different types of pairing symmetries are analyzed utilizing Nambu-Gorkov Green's function techniques to show that $p+ip$-symmetric nearest-neighbor pairing yields the most enhanced superconducting gap. The character of the order parameter depends on the nature of the atomic orbitals involved in the pairing process and exhibits interesting angular and radial asymmetries. Finally, we suggest a method to distinguish between singlet and triplet type superconductivity in the presence of magnetic substitutional impurities using scanning tunneling spectroscopy.Comment: Preprint, 15 pages, 4+1 figure

Reply to Comment on Circular Dichroism in the Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectrum of the High-Temperature Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 Superconductor http://arxiv.org/abs/1004.1648

We conclude that arguments of Norman et al. in their Comment do not provide a significant basis for their claim that the geometric mechanism for explaining the observations reported by them is not viable. More generally, our study highlights the importance of assessing structural issues before invoking exotic mechanisms for explaining unusual spectroscopic observations, especially in complex materia

K2_2CoS2_2: A new two-dimensional in-plane antiferromagnetic insulator

The recent discovery of two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials has brought magnetism to the flatland. This has opened up exciting opportunities for the exploration of fundamental physics as well as for novel device applications. Here, we predict a new thermodynamically stable 2D magnetic material, K$_2$CoS$_2$, which retains its in-plane anti-ferromagnetic order down to the monolayer and bilayer limits. We find that the magnetic moments ($2.5 \mu_B/$Co) are aligned along the intra-Co chains, from monolayer to bulk. The non-magnetic electronic spectrum of both the monolayer and bilayer films is found to host flat bands and van-Hove singularities, which in instrumental in giving rise to the the magnetic ground state. Based on classical Monte-Carlo simulations, we estimate the Neel temperature for the antiferromagnetic monolayer to be $\approx 15$K. Our study thus establishes that K$_2$CoS$_2$ hosts a robust antiferromagnetic state which persists from the monolayer limit to the bulk material.Comment: final revised version; Phys. Rev. B 102, 035420 (2020