Theory of orbital $mathbf{d}_o$-vector in a two-band spin-singlet superconductor


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In this work, we study even-parity spin-singlet orbital-triplet pairing states for a two-band superconductor. An orbital $mathbf{d}_o(mathbf{k})$-vector is introduced to characterize orbital-dependent pairings, in analogy to the spin $mathbf{d}_s(mathbf{k})$-vector that describes spin-triplet pairings in $^3$He superfluid. Naively, one might think the double degeneracy of orbitals would be lifted by inter-orbital hybridizations due to crystal fields or electron-electron repulsive interactions, then spin-singlet orbital-dependent pairings may be severely suppressed. However, we demonstrate that orbital-triplet pairing, represented by the orbital $mathbf{d}_o(mathbf{k})$-vector, could exist under some circumstances. Remarkably, it could even coexist with nematic orders or charge-density-wave orders induced by interactions. The generalization to a single-band superconductor with two valleys (e.g.~honeycomb lattice with two sublattices) is also discussed. Moreover, the complex orbital $mathbf{d}_o$-vector spontaneously breaks time-reversal symmetry (TRS), which might give rise to the TRS-breaking orbital-polarization, analogous to the spin magnetism.

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