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Observation of Time-Reversal Symmetry Breaking in the Type-I Superconductor
Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 136002 – Published 23 September, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/drzq-lfn5
Abstract
The spontaneous breaking of time-reversal symmetry is a hallmark of unconventional superconductivity, typically observed in type-II superconductors. Here, we report evidence of time-reversal symmetry breaking in the type-I superconductor . Zero-field muon spin relaxation and rotation () measurements reveal spontaneous internal magnetic fields emerging just below the superconducting transition, while transverse-field confirms a fully gapped type-I superconducting state. Our first-principles calculations identify as a topological metal hosting a Dirac nodal line near the Fermi level. Symmetry analysis within the Ginzburg-Landau framework indicates an internally antisymmetric nonunitary triplet (INT) state as the most probable superconducting ground state. Calculations based on an effective low-energy model further suggest that this INT state may host gapless Majorana surface modes, pointing to the possibility of topological superconductivity in . Our results highlight as a unique material platform where type-I superconductivity coexists with triplet pairing and nontrivial topology.
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
synopsis
A Type-I Superconductor Breaks Time-Reversal Symmetry
A hallmark property of unconventional superconductivity has been discovered in a type-I superconductor, whereas it’s normally observed only in type-II materials.
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