Search for Time-Reversal Symmetry Breaking Effects in Sr$_2$RuO$_4$ Using Scanning Magnetic Microscopy

ORAL

Abstract

Strontium ruthenate (Sr$_2$RuO$_4$) is a spin-triplet superconductor ($T_c$ = 1.5 K) which is thought to have a two-component time reversal symmetry breaking (TRSB) order parameter. We have imaged patterned samples of this material using sub-micron Hall probes in search of magnetic fields that are expected to be caused by spontaneous currents at the edge of a TRSB superconductor. Because of the localization of the currents to edges, both high spatial resolution and high sensitivity to magnetic fields are necessary in order to provide strong tests of the theory. We will compare our measurement results with theoretical models for possible magnetic field distributions in superconductors with TRSB order parameters.

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Authors

  • Per Bj\"ornsson

  • K.A. Moler

    Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Stanford University, Department of Applied Physics and Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Stanford University, Stanford University, Department of Applied Physics and Gebelle Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Stanford University

  • Yoshiteru Maeno

    Kyoto University, Department of Physics and International Innovation Center, Kyoto University