WTe$_2$: Candidate for topological superconductivity

The focus of this thesis lies on the layered transition metal-dichalcogenide tungsten ditelluride WTe$_2$ and its potential role in engineering a topological superconductor. The material is proposed to be a higher-order topological insulator hosting gapless states along its crystal hinges. Surprisingly, we find that the material turns superconducting when it is brought in contact to palladium, combining topology and superconductivity in a single, promising material platform. We use the effect to fabricate highly transparent Josephson junctions out of this material system, and we study the devices in transport measurements at cryogenic temperatures.