Spin-orbit coupling induced multigap superconductivity in
Phys. Rev. B 113, 224524 – Published 23 June, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/tgmd-8bqz
Abstract
The superconductor is well known for its inconsistent experimental indications of single versus multiple superconducting (SC) gaps, while simultaneously being considered a promising candidate for topological superconductivity. To clarify its SC behavior, we investigate the SC gap, the quasiparticle density of states (DOS), and in the frameworks of superconducting density functional theory and density functional perturbation theory. We explicitly consider the -dependent dynamical screened Coulomb pseudopotential, spin-fluctuation, and electron-phonon coupling in a fully first-principles way by incorporating the relativistic spin-orbit coupling (SOC). The strong SOC increases the electronic DOS near the Fermi level and enhances the electron-phonon coupling strength, which in turn leads to a larger SC gap and values that more closely match with recent experiments. The Fermi surface (FS) size of the band, which is linked to the irreducible representation and originates from Bi -orbitals, is notably reduced with the SOC. This FS size reduction leads to isotropic and strong pairing strength, primarily driven by the coupling between the band and phonons. As a result, distinct SC gaps emerge that are characterized by the SOC-splitted Bi and states. This is further consistent with observed kinks in the quasiparticle DOS spectra, agreeing with the recently observed experimental multigap behavior. The average gap values of and are both consistent with experimental reports. Additionally, our calculated heat capacity jump ratio suggests that is a strongly coupled superconductor.