Intrinsic splitting of vortex-core zero-bias conductance peaks

Determine whether an intrinsic splitting of the vortex-core zero-bias conductance peak in the surface superconducting channel of SrSn3 exists below the current experimental resolution, using measurements at lower temperatures.

Background

The paper reports robust, non-split zero-bias conductance peaks in vortex cores when scanning tunneling spectroscopy predominantly probes the surface superconducting channel of SrSn3. Conventional Caroli–de Gennes–Matricon bound states are generally expected to show spatial splitting away from the vortex center, but no such splitting is resolved in the reported measurements.

The authors note that the absence of observed splitting does not exclude either an intrinsic splitting too small for the present resolution or junction-induced dissipative renormalization effects. They therefore identify lower-temperature measurements as necessary to determine whether an intrinsic splitting is present.

References

The absence of such an apparent spatial splitting disfavors some simple clean-limit CdGM scenarios, but it does not by itself exclude junction-induced dissipative renormalization effects. Whether an intrinsic splitting exists below the current experimental resolution remains an open question that calls for future measurements at lower temperatures.

— Distinct Surface and Bulk Superconductivity in the Kagome Superconductor SrSn$_3$  (2608.25271 - Zhu et al., 26 Aug 2026) in Discussion following Fig. 4, paragraph beginning “Several scenarios may account for the unusual vortex-core spectra observed in SrSn3”