Moiré Superlattice-Induced Superconductivity in One-Unit-Cell FeTe.

Abstract

In this work, we demonstrate that the nonsuperconducting single-layer FeTe can become superconducting when its structure is properly tuned by epitaxially growing it on Bi₂Te₃ thin films. The properties of the single-layer FeTe deviate strongly from its bulk counterpart, as evidenced by the emergence of a large superconductivity gap (3.3 meV) and an apparent 8 × 2 superlattice (SL). Our first-principles calculations indicate that the 8 × 2 SL and the emergence of the novel superconducting phase are essentially the result of the structural change in FeTe due to the presence of the underlying Bi₂Te₃ layer. The structural change in FeTe likely suppresses the antiferromagnetic order in the FeTe and leads to superconductivity. Our work clearly demonstrates that moiré pattern engineering in a heterostructure is a reachable dimension for investigating novel materials and material properties.