Work

Nonreciprocal superconductivity

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: We introduce the notion of nonreciprocal superconductors where inversion and time-reversal symmetries are broken, giving rise to an asymmetric energy dispersion. We demonstrate that nonreciprocal superconductivity can be detected by Andreev reflection. In particular, a transparent junction between a normal metal and a nonreciprocal superconductor generally exhibits an asymmetric current-voltage characteristic, which serves as a defining feature of nonreciprocal superconductivity. Unlike the superconducting diode effects, our detection scheme has the advantage of avoiding large critical currents that turn the superconducting state to normal. Last, we discuss candidates for nonreciprocal superconductivity, including graphene, UTe2, as well as engineered platforms.

Source: Science Advances

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adr4817

Authors: Margarita Davydova, Max Geier, Liang Fu

Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Physics of Superconductivity and Magnetism

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft