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Time-reversal symmetry breaking superconductivity between twisted cuprate superconductors
S Y Frank Zhao1, Xiaomeng Cui1, Pavel A Volkov1,2,3
1Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 7, 2023
Summary
Engineers created novel Josephson diodes using twisted cuprate superconductor interfaces. These devices exhibit tunable properties and enable control over time-reversal symmetry for potential topological applications.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Superconductivity
Background:
- Twisted van der Waals (vdW) interfaces in cuprate crystals allow for engineering of superconducting properties.
- Josephson junctions (JJs) are crucial for superconducting electronics and quantum devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct and investigate twisted vdW Josephson junctions (JJs) in cuprate crystals.
- To explore the control of superconducting order parameters and time-reversal symmetry (TRS) in these engineered interfaces.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a cryogenic assembly technique to create atomically sharp interfaces between Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+ crystals.
- Fabricated twisted vdW JJs with twist angles near 45°.
- Analyzed junction behavior using fractional Shapiro steps and Fraunhofer patterns.
Main Results:
- Achieved high-quality twisted vdW JJs approaching intrinsic limits.
- Observed phenomena consistent with two degenerate ground states related by time-reversal symmetry (TRS) near 45° twist.
- Demonstrated controllable breaking of TRS to switch between ground states, realizing magnetic-field-free Josephson diodes.
Conclusions:
- Engineered Josephson diodes based on twisted cuprate interfaces.
- Established a method for controllable manipulation of time-reversal symmetry in superconducting devices.
- Opened avenues for developing higher-temperature topological devices.
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