Enhanced superconductivity and coexisting ferroelectricity at oxide interfaces

Abstract

Abstract The coexistence of superconductivity and ferroelectricity is rare due to their conflicting requirements: superconductivity relies on free charge carriers, whereas ferroelectricity typically occurs in insulating systems. At LaAlO 3 /KTaO 3 interfaces, we demonstrate the coexistence of two-dimensional superconductivity and ferroelectricity, enabled by the unique properties of KTaO 3 as a quantum paraelectric. Systematic gating and poling experiments reveal an enhancement of the superconducting transition temperature ( T c ) by ~0.2–0.6 K and bistable transport properties, including hysteresis, strongly suggesting the existence of switchable ferroelectric polarization in the interfacial conducting layer. Raman scattering measurements and hysteresis loops indicate robust ferroelectricity below 50 K. The T c enhancement is attributed to ferroelectric polarization-induced reduction in dielectric constant, which narrows the interfacial potential well, confining carriers closer to the interface. The bistability arises from switchable ferroelectric polarization, which modulates the potential well depending on polarization direction. These findings establish a straightforward mechanism coupling ferroelectricity and superconductivity, providing a promising platform for exploring their interplay.