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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
06:53
Scanning SQUID Study of Vortex Manipulation by Local Contact
Published on: February 1, 2017
Quantum interference in a twisted high-Tc SQUID senses emergent interfacial order
Amit Basu1, Samrat Ash2, Ritajit Kundu3
1Department of Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India. amitbasu457@gmail.com.
Nature Communications
|July 4, 2026
Summary
Researchers engineered artificial quantum systems using twisted van der Waals materials. They developed superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) to reveal chiral superconducting order in cuprates, enabling advanced flux sensing.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Materials Engineering
- Superconductivity Research
Background:
- Twisted van der Waals materials offer a platform for novel quantum phenomena.
- Interfacial superconductivity in twisted cuprates is an emerging area of study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) using twisted Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ.
- To probe chiral time-reversal symmetry-broken superconducting order at interfaces.
- To assess the potential of these devices as sensitive flux sensors.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of SQUIDs utilizing twisted cuprate superconductor interfaces.
- Measurement of magnetic field modulation of differential resistance.
- Analysis of Josephson junction behavior to determine phase differences.
Main Results:
- Observation of a π phase difference in the SQUID arms, indicating chiral superconducting order.
- Evidence of Cooper pair co-tunneling.
- Demonstration of SQUIDs as effective flux sensors at 77 K.
Conclusions:
- Twisted interfaces can stabilize and probe unconventional superconducting orders.
- Quantum interference in SQUIDs provides access to properties like time-reversal symmetry breaking.
- The developed architecture has broad applicability for studying interfacial charge transport and superconducting order symmetry.
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