Properties of interfaces and surfaces in non-centrosymmetric superconductors

Abstract

Tunneling spectroscopy at surfaces of unconventional superconductors has proven an invaluable tool for obtaining information about the pairing symmetry. It is known that mid-gap Andreev bound states manifest themselves as zero-bias conductance peaks in tunneling spectroscopy. The zero-bias conductance peak is a signature for a non-trivial pair potential that exhibits different signs on different regions of the Fermi surface. Here, we review recent theoretical results on the spectrum of Andreev bound states near interfaces and surfaces in non-centrosymmetric superconductors. We introduce a theoretical scheme to calculate the energy spectrum of a non-centrosymmetric superconductor. Then, we discuss the interplay between the spin-orbit vector field on the Fermi surface and the order parameter symmetry. The Andreev states carry a spin supercurrent and represent a helical edge mode along the interface. We study the topological nature of the resulting edge currents. If the triplet component of the order parameter dominates, then the helical edge mode exists. If, on the other hand, the singlet component dominates, the helical edge mode is absent. A quantum phase transition occurs for equal spin singlet and triplet order parameter components. We discuss the tunneling conductance and the Andreev point-contact conductance between a normal metal and a non-centrosymmetric superconductor. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012.