Observation of Quantum-Criticality-Class Crossover at the (111) Interface
Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 216202 – Published 19 November, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/qp2x-cl3q
Abstract
In the two-dimensional (2D) limit, the quantum fluctuation is significantly enhanced which could induce a quantum phase transition. Investigating the quantum criticality is an effective approach to elucidate the underlying physics of 2D superconductivity. Here we report the observation of different universality classes of quantum criticality at the superconducting (111) interface, i.e., the normal quantum Griffiths singularity (QGS) and the anomalous QGS. The switch of the quantum criticality class is observed from the normal QGS in a lower sample with weaker spin-orbit coupling (SOC) to the anomalous QGS in a higher sample with stronger SOC. Moreover, owing to the remarkable SOC strength, the higher sample exhibits an unprecedentedly enhanced quantum fluctuation at an unusually elevated temperature approaching the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition temperature . This Letter provides comprehensive recognition of the different quantum criticality classes in the same superconducting (111) system, which deepens the understanding of the superconducting mechanism of interfacial superconductors.