Robust topological superconductivity in spin–orbit coupled systems at higher-order van Hove filling

Abstract

<p>Van Hove singularities in proximity to the Fermi level promote electronic interactions and generate diverse competing instabilities. It is also known that a nontrivial Berry phase derived from spin–orbit coupling can introduce an intriguing decoration into the interactions and thus alter correlated phenomena. However, it is unclear how and what type of new physics can emerge in a system featured by the interplay between van Hove singularities (VHSs) and the Berry phase. Here, based on a general Rashba model on the square lattice, we comprehensively explore such an interplay and its significant influence on the competing electronic instabilities by performing a parquet renormalization group analysis. Despite the existence of a variety of comparable fluctuations in the particle–particle and particle-hole channels associated with higher-order VHSs, we find that the chiral p±ip pairings emerge as two stable fixed trajectories within the generic interaction parameter space, namely the system becomes a robust topological superconductor. The chiral pairings stem from the hopping interaction induced by the nontrivial Berry phase. The possible experimental realization and implications are discussed. Our work sheds new light on the correlated states in quantum materials with strong spin–orbit coupling (SOC) and offers fresh insights into the exploration of topological superconductivity.</p>