Magnetization amplification in the interlayer pairing superconductor 4Hb−TaS2

Abstract

A recent experiment on the bulk compound $4Hb\text{−}{\mathrm{TaS}}_2$ reveals an unusual time-reversal symmetry-breaking superconducting state that possesses a magnetic memory not manifest in the normal state. Here we provide a mechanism for this observation by studying the magnetic and electronic properties of $4Hb\text{−}{\mathrm{TaS}}_2$. We discuss the criterion for a small magnetization in the normal state in terms of spin and orbital magnetizations. Based on an analysis of lattice symmetry and Fermi surface structure, we propose that $4Hb\text{−}{\mathrm{TaS}}_2$ realizes superconductivity in the interlayer, equal-spin channel with a gap function whose phase winds along the Fermi surface by an integer multiple of $6\pi$. The enhancement of the magnetization in the superconducting state compared to the normal state can be explained if the state with a gap winding of $6\pi$ is realized, accounting for the observed magnetic memory. We discuss how this superconducting state can be probed experimentally by spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy.