Surface atomic-layer superconductors with Rashba/Zeeman-type spin-orbit coupling

Abstract

Abstract In this article, we review the recent progress in surface atomic-layer superconductors on semiconductor substrates with Rashba/Zeeman-type spin-orbit coupling (SOC). After introduction of some of the basics of Rashba/Zeeman-type SOC and its effects on superconductivity, representative surface structures with relevant features are described in terms of their crystalline and electronic properties. This is followed by recent experimental studies that have revealed anomalous superconducting phenomena, which can be attributed to the effects of Rashba/Zeeman-type SOC. Future prospects, likely to be driven by instrumentational developments, are given as a concluding remark.

Keywords

• Surface
• Atomic layer
• Superconductor
• Rashba/Zeeman-type Spin-orbit coupling
• Inversion-symmetry breaking