Uranium ditelluride is an inorganic compound with the formula UTe2. It is an intermetallic compound composed of uranium (U) and tellurium (Te). It was discovered to be an unconventional superconductor in 2018. It has attracted intense interest in condensed matter physics and materials science due to its unconventional superconducting behavior.
Unlike most superconductors, which lose superconductivity in strong magnetic fields, UTe₂ shows unusually robust superconductivity, making it a candidate for exotic applications. It does not exist naturally but is produced under laboratory conditions. Its unconventional superconductivity, spin-triplet pairing, and potential for topological states make it an important research material in modern physics.
Superconductivity
Superconductivity in UTe2 appears to be a consequence of triplet electrons spin-pairing. The material acts as a topological superconductor, stably conducting electricity without resistance even in high magnetic fields. With recent crystal growth techniques a superconducting transition temperature of 2.10 K has been reached as of 2025.
Charge density waves (CDW) and pair density waves (PDW) have been described in UTe2, with the latest case being the first time it has been described in a p-wave superconductor.
- Critical Temperature (Tc): ~1.6–2.1 K (very low, cryogenic conditions required).
- Unconventional Nature: Believed to be a spin-triplet superconductor, where electron spins align rather than pair oppositely as in conventional superconductors.
- Magnetic Field Response: Maintains superconductivity even under extremely high magnetic fields (up to ~40 Tesla in some studies).
- Potential Topological Properties: Research suggests UTe₂ may host Majorana fermions, making it a promising material for quantum computing.
Occurrences and Preparation
- Natural Occurrence: Does not occur naturally; it is a synthetic compound.
- Synthesis: Produced in laboratories by combining high-purity uranium and tellurium under controlled, high-temperature conditions (often in sealed ampoules to prevent oxidation).
- Research Use: Mostly confined to physics research labs focusing on heavy fermion systems, quantum materials, and superconductivity.
Applications
Currently, UTe₂ is not used in industry due to its radioactivity, rarity, and experimental status. Its main importance lies in:
- Fundamental research on unconventional superconductivity.
- Possible future role in quantum technologies if scalable and stable synthesis is achieved.
- Model system for studying 5f electron correlations in actinide compounds.
