Multiple nodeless superconducting gaps in noncentrosymmetric superconductor PbTaSe2 with topological bulk nodal lines

Abstract

Low-temperature thermal conductivity measurements were performed on single crystal of PbTaSe$_2$, a noncentrosymmetric superconductor with topological bulk nodal lines in the electronic band structure. It is found that the residual linear term $κ_0/T$ is negligible in zero magnetic field. Furthermore, the field dependence of $κ_0/T$ exhibits a clear "$S$"-shape curve. These results suggest that PbTaSe$_2$ has multiple nodeless superconducting gaps. Therefore, the spin-triplet state with gap nodes does not play an important role in this noncentrosymmetric superconductor with strong spin-orbital coupling. The fully gapped superconducting state also meets the requirement of a topological superconductor, if PbTaSe$_2$ is indeed the case.

5 pages, 4 figures