A Graphene Encapsulated Growth Method to form Ultra-thin Magnesium Diboride (MgB2)

ORAL

Abstract

There is interest in coupling 3D topological insulators (TI) with s-wave superconductors (SC) for realizing topological superconductivity (TSC) for quantum computing applications. MgB2 is an intriguing superconductor for this application as it has Tc = 39K and a hexagonal crystal structure, compatible with common Bi-based TIs. However, MgB2 oxidizes in air making it difficult to form high quality TI/SC interfaces. Here, we propose a novel approach to synthesize ultra-thin MgB2 via intercalation between epitaxial graphene (EG) and SiC. EG is used to protect the MgB2 surface while enabling epitaxial growth of the TI on top. Initial studies investigated Mg intercalation between EG and SiC using a tube furnace. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and cross section transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (TEM-EDS) confirmed Mg intercalation between EG and SiC. Current studies are being performed to optimize process conditions to intercalate Mg. The results of planned investigations to convert Mg to MgB2 via annealing in B2H6 will also be discussed.

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Presenters

  • Patrick Rondomanski

    Department of Physics, Pennsylvania State University

Authors

  • Patrick Rondomanski

    Department of Physics, Pennsylvania State University

  • Joan M Redwing

    Pennsylvania State University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering and 2D Crystal Consortium – Materials Innovation Platform, Pennsylvania State University

  • Anushka Bansal

    Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University

  • Azimkhan Kozhakhmetov

    Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University

  • Joshua Robinson

    Pennsylvania State University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University

  • Ke Wang

    Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania State University, Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University

  • Zakaria Al Balushi

    Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California - Berkeley