Intrinsic Superconducting Diode Effect Enhancement in FeSeTe by Increased Flux Pinning
Christopher Luth1, Rajveer Jha1, Ryan Schalip1
1Microelectronics Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, 10100 Harry Ransom Trail, Austin, Texas 78758, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|February 26, 2026
Summary
Researchers achieved a field-free superconducting diode effect (SDE) in FeSeTe interfaced with an antiferromagnet. This breakthrough enhances nonreciprocal current transport and diode efficiency, paving the way for advanced electronic devices.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Superconductivity
Background:
- The superconducting diode effect (SDE) arises from broken time-reversal and inversion symmetry.
- Intrinsic symmetry-breaking materials exist, but their potential for enhanced nonreciprocal transport and diode efficiency requires further investigation.
- Material interfaces can modify vortex dynamics and nonreciprocal supercurrents in superconductors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore material combinations that induce SDE through finite momentum pairing for integration into conventional electronics.
- To investigate the potential of interfacing ferromagnetic superconductors with antiferromagnetic layers to achieve SDE.
- To evaluate the enhancement of nonreciprocal charge transport and diode efficiency in such heterostructures.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of heterostructures combining a ferromagnetic superconductor (FeSeTe) with an antiferromagnetic (AF) layer exhibiting zigzag order.
- Experimental observation and characterization of the superconducting diode effect (SDE) in the fabricated FeSeTe/AF interface.
- Measurement of nonreciprocal critical current and diode efficiency, correlating them with thermal activation energy.
Main Results:
- Observation of a field-free superconducting diode effect (SDE) at the FeSeTe/AF interface.
- Significant enhancement of nonreciprocal critical current compared to conventional SDE materials.
- Improved diode efficiency attributed to increased thermal activation energy at the interface.
Conclusions:
- The combination of a ferromagnetic superconductor with a zigzag-ordered antiferromagnet provides a promising route to achieve field-free SDE.
- This material system demonstrates enhanced nonreciprocal transport properties and improved diode efficiency.
- The findings suggest potential for integration into complex superconducting electronic devices like nanobridges and Josephson junctions.
Keywords:
antiferromagnetfield-free superconducting diodeflux pinningiron-based superconductornonreciprocal critical currentMore Related Videos
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