IQIM Postdoctoral and Graduate Student Seminar

Abstract: Applied magnetic fields suppress superconductivity through two mechanisms: paramagnetic limiting and orbital limiting. It is therefore rare and surprising to find field-induced superconductivity in any material. In this talk, I will discuss known mechanisms by which materials can exhibit such seemingly paradoxical behavior. I will focus on the heavy fermion superconductor UTe₂, which hosts at least two distinct field-induced superconducting phases. I will review our recent experiments at high fields, which have revealed how the superconducting phase boundaries of UTe₂ evolve depending on the direction of the applied magnetic field. These results help us understand which mechanisms may be relevant for allowing field-induced and field-resilient superconductivity in UTe₂.

Lunch will be provided following the talk.