Superconducting state of excitonic insulator

Abstract

A state of an excitonic insulator with the electric current is studied. Initially, in the metallic phase, the electrons and holes are assumed to be moving in the opposite directions, so as the electric current exists. This state is supported by an external condition (the specimen is in an electric circuit with the current). When the temperature decreases, the transition to the ordering state due to formation of the electron--hole pairs is possible (similar to the ordinary state of the excitonic insulator). The properties of the state at zero temperature are investigated. The spectrum of elementary excitations has a gap, and so the conclusion can be made that obtained state is superconducting one. Thus, depending on the external conditions, excitonic insulator behaves itself like the insulator or superconductor. That is correct in the limit of strong overlapping of the electron--hole pairs.