Emergent superconductivity in single crystalline $\mathrm{MgTi}_2\mathrm{O}_4$ films via structural engineering

Abstract

Spinel compounds have demonstrated rich functionalities but rarely shown superconductivity. Here, we report the emergence of superconductivity in the spinel $\mathrm{MgTi}_2\mathrm{O}_4$, known to be an insulator with a complicated order. The superconducting transition is achieved by engineering a superlattice of $\mathrm{MgTi}_2\mathrm{O}_4$ and $\mathrm{SrTiO}_3$. The onset transition temperature in the $\mathrm{MgTi}_2\mathrm{O}_4$ layer can be tuned from 0 to 5 K in such geometry, concurrently with a stretched $c$-axis (from 8.51 to 8.53 \AA) compared to the bulk material. Such a positive correlation without saturation suggests ample room for the further enhancement. Intriguingly, the superlattice exhibits isotropic upper critical field $H_{\mathrm{c}2}$ that breaks the Pauli limit, distinct from the highly anisotropic feature of interface superconductivity. The origin of superconductivity in the $\mathrm{MgTi}_2\mathrm{O}_4$ layer is understood in combination with the electron energy loss spectra and the first-principles electronic structure calculations, which point to the birth of superconductivity in the $\mathrm{MgTi}_2\mathrm{O}_4$ layer by preventing the Ti-Ti dimerization. Our discovery not only provides a platform to explore the interplay between the superconductivity and other exotic states, but also opens a new window to realize superconductivity in the spinel compounds as well as other titanium oxides.