Quantized radio-frequency rectification in a kagome superconductor Josephson diode.

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Electronics

Background:

• Superconducting diodes offer low-dissipation rectification for advanced electronics and cryogenic applications.
• Generating quantized DC voltage from RF irradiation without external bias is crucial for self-powered cryogenic devices but remains challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate quantized radio-frequency (RF) rectification in a superconducting material at zero magnetic field.
• To explore the potential of CsV3Sb5 as a platform for novel cryogenic electronic applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of transport devices from mechanically exfoliated CsV3Sb5 single-crystal nanobeams.
• Characterization of Josephson effects and Josephson diode behavior in the absence of an external magnetic field.
• Measurement of DC voltage generation under RF irradiation and its dependence on frequency and power.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated Josephson diode effects in CsV3Sb5 devices at zero magnetic field.
• Observed quantized DC voltage scaling linearly with microwave frequency (Vdc = hf/2e) under RF irradiation without bias.
• Reported quantized voltage steps with increasing RF power, indicative of Shapiro steps.

Conclusions:

• CsV3Sb5 exhibits intrinsic Josephson diode behavior, enabling quantized RF rectification without external magnetic fields.
• The findings establish CsV3Sb5 as a promising material for developing cryogenic-temperature wireless power sources.
• This research paves the way for self-powered voltage standards operating at extremely low temperatures.