Physics Fall 2024 Colloquium: Hunting for topological superconductivity: the case of UTe2

Priscila Rosa, Los Alamos National Laboratory

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Rosa

When

3 – 4 p.m., Oct. 18, 2024

Where

Abstract: Superconductivity is a fascinating macroscopic quantum phenomenon known for more than a century. Over the past decade, topological superconductivity became a sought-after state of matter, in part due to its potential applications in quantum computing. Actinide superconductor UTe2 is a recently-discovered contender for topological superconductivity. Yet, its superconducting order parameter remains a matter of contention. In this talk, I will first present a brief overview of key experimental results on the superconducting state of UTe2. I will then discuss recent developments in sample synthesis combined with thermodynamic and spectroscopic measurements that shed light on the role of disorder, magnetic fluctuations, and time-reversal symmetry breaking in UTe2. At the end of the talk, I will discuss current constraints on the superconducting order parameter of UTe2 and highlight some of the pressing outstanding open questions.

3:00 PM in PAS 201 / Zoom Meeting https://arizona.zoom.us/j/81283840289

Refreshments in PAS 218, 2:30PM