We theoretically study superconductivity in UTe2, which is a recently discovered strong candidate for an oddparity spin-triplet superconductor. Theoretical studies for this compound faced difficulty because first-principles calculations predict an insulating electronic state, incompatible with superconducting instability. To overcome this problem, we take into account electron correlation effects by a GGA+U method and show the insulatormetal transition by Coulomb interaction. Using Fermi surfaces obtained as a function of U , we clarify topological properties of possible superconducting states. Fermi surface formulas for the three-dimensional winding number and three two-dimensional Z2 numbers indicate topological superconductivity at an intermediate U for all the odd-parity pairing symmetry in the Immm space group. Symmetry and topology of superconducting gap nodes are analyzed and the gap structure of UTe2 is predicted. Topologically protected low-energy excitations are highlighted, and experiments by bulk and surface probes are proposed to link Fermi surfaces and pairing symmetry. Based on the results, we also discuss multiple superconducting phases under magnetic fields, which were implied by recent experiments. arXiv:1908.04004v3 [cond-mat.supr-con] 1 Nov 2019

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We propose a generic scenario for realizing gapful topological superconductors (TSCs) from gapless spin-singlet superconductors (SCs). Noncentrosymmetric nodal SCs in two dimension are shown to be gapful under a Zeeman field, as a result of the cooperation of inversion-symmetry breaking and time-reversal-symmetry breaking. In particular, non-s-wave SCs acquire a large excitation gap. Such paramagnetically-induced gapful SCs may be classified into TSCs in the symmetry class D specified by the Chern number. We show nontrivial Chern numbers over a wide parameter range for spin-singlet SCs. A variety of the paramagnetically-induced gapful TSCs are demonstrated, including D+p-wave TSC, extended S+p-wave TSC, p+D+f-wave TSC, and s+P-wave TSC. Natural extension toward three-dimensional Weyl SCs is also discussed.Comment: 22 pgaes, 6 figure

We propose a possible way to realize topological superconductivity with application of laser light to superconducting cuprate thin films. Applying Floquet theory to a model of $d$-wave superconductors with Rashba spin-orbit coupling, we derive an effective model and discuss its topological nature. Interplay of the Rashba spin-orbit coupling and the laser light effect induces the synthetic magnetic fields, thus making the system gapped. Then the system acquires the topologically non-trivial nature which is characterized by Chern numbers. The effective magnetic fields do not create the vortices in superconductors, and thus the proposed scheme provides a promising way to dynamically realize a topological superconductor in cuprates. We also discuss an experimental way to detect the signature.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figure

We study two-dimensional noncentrosymmetric nodal superconductors under Zeeman field and clarify the field angle dependence of topological properties. It has been shown that the nodal excitation acquires an excitation gap due to the Zeeman field perpendicular to anti-symmetric spin-orbit coupling, and then gapful topological superconductivity is realized 1 . We show that the system undergoes gapful-gapless transition against tilting of the field. The gapless phase remains to show a finite band gap and unusual Majorana edge states in between the bulk bands. The Majorana edge states naturally propagate in a same direction between oppositely-oriented edges. We elucidate relations of such unidirectional Majorana edge states with chiral edge states in the gapful topological superconducting phase and previously studied Majorana flat bands at zero Zeeman field. A compact formula of topological invariants characterizing the edge states is given. The gapfulgapless topological phase transition and associated evolution of Majorana states are demonstrated in a model for D +p-wave superconductivity. Experimental realization in recently fabricated cuprate heterostructures and heavy fermion thin films is discussed. arXiv:1611.09492v2 [cond-mat.supr-con]