Various manifestations of weak magnetism and superconductivity in inclination interfaces of Bi, Sb and Bi1-xSbx

The magnetic properties of the nano-width bicrystal interfaces (CIs) of Bi, Sb and 3D topological insulator Bi1xSbx (0.06 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) are studied in a temperature range of 1.6–300 K. These materials do not show superconductivity under normal rhombohedral conditions and are anomalous diamagnetics. At the same time, two superconducting phases with Tc ≤ 21 K and magnetic hysteresis loops against a diamagnetic background typical for strong type II superconductors are identified in Bi interfaces. At the CIs of Bi1xSbx (0.06 ≤ x ≤ 0.2), as well as Sb, a superconducting transition and a ferromagnetic hysteresis loop or a dual loop (superimposed ferromagnetic and superconducting loops) against a paramagnetic background are observed; they indicate the simultaneous occurrence of superconductivity and weak ferromagnetism, which is specific to 3D topological insulators. The revealed coexistence of superconductivity and weak magnetism at these CIs is of significant interest for the fundamental physics and future applications in quantum computing and spintronic devices.