Superconductivity in spin-orbit coupled formed by in situ reduction of bismuthate films
Phys. Rev. Materials 9, 124802 – Published 12 December, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/xfr5-8qcy
Abstract
Oxygen scavenging at oxide heterointerfaces has emerged as a powerful route for stabilizing metastable phases that exhibit interesting phenomena, including high-mobility, two-dimensional electron gases and high- superconductivity. We investigate structural and chemical interactions at the heterointerface formed between Al or Eu and the charged-ordered insulator, , leading to emergent superconductivity at 6 K. A combination of x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy measurements shows that oxygen scavenging by the Eu and Al adlayers leads to the formation of superconducting intermetallic in nominal and bilayers. Anisotropic magnetotransport measurements and current-voltage signatures of quasi-two-dimensional superconductivity are observed. The mechanisms behind quasi-two-dimensional superconductivity and the role of disorder remain to be clarified. These findings highlight the potential for the use of in situ reduction of bismuthate heterostructures as a platform for stabilizing materials with exotic functional properties. Additionally, the strong spin-orbit coupling at the Bi sites may pave the way for the realization of high- topological superconductivity.