Néel proximity effect at antiferromagnet/superconductor interfaces

Spin splitting induced in a conventional superconductor weakens superconductivity by destroying spin-singlet and creating spin-triplet Cooper pairs. We demonstrate theoretically that such an effect is also caused adjacent compensated antiferromagnet, which yields no net spin splitting. find the antiferromagnet produces N\'eel triplet pairs, whose pairing amplitude oscillates rapidly space similar to antiferromagnet's spin. The emergence of these unconventional pairs reduces singlet pairs' amplitude, thereby lowering superconducting critical temperature. develop quasiclassical Green's functions description system employing two-sublattice framework. It successfully captures rapid oscillations at lattice spacing scale as well their smooth variation on larger coherence length scale. Employing theoretical framework thus developed, we investigate this proximity superconductor/antiferromagnet bilayer function interfacial exchange, disorder, chemical potential, finding rich physics. Our findings offer insights into experiments have found than expected suppression antiferromagnet.