Transient vortex dynamics and evolution of Bose metal from a 2D superconductor on MoS₂

Abstract

The true character of physical phenomena is thought to be reinforced as the system becomes disorder-free. In contrast, the two-dimensional (2D) superconductor is predicted to turn fragile and resistive away from the limit I → 0, B → 0, in the pinning-free regime. It is intriguing to note that the very vortices responsible for achieving superconductivity by pairing, condensation, and, thereby reducing the classical dissipation, render the state resistive driven by quantum fluctuations in the T → 0. While cleaner systems are being explored for technological improvements, the 2D superconductor turning resistive when influenced by weak electric and magnetic fields has profound consequences for quantum technologies. A metallic ground state in 2D is beyond the consensus of both Bosonic and Fermionic systems, and its origin and nature warrant a comprehensive theoretical understanding supplemented by in-depth experiments. A real-time observation of the influence of vortex dynamics on transport properties so far has been elusive. We explore the nature and fate of a low-viscous, clean, 2D superconducting state formed on an ionic-liquid gated few-layered MoS2 sample. The vortex-core being dissipative, the elastic depinning, intervortex interaction, and the subsequent dynamics of the vortex-lattice leave transient signatures in the transport characteristics. The temperature and magnetic field dependence of the transient nature and the noise characteristics of the magnetoresistance confirm that quantum fluctuations are solely responsible for the Bose metal state and the fragility of the superconducting state.