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Published on: August 2, 2019
Pressure-Induced Magnetic-Field-Free Superconducting Diode Effect in NbSe_{2} Flake
Shihao Zhu1, Tian Le2,3, Cuiying Pei1
1ShanghaiTech University, State Key Laboratory of Quantum Functional Materials, School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai 201210, China.
Abstract:
The superconducting diode effect (SDE) is a fascinating nonreciprocal phenomenon where the critical current is different for opposite current directions. It is widely believed that realizing SDE requires breaking both inversion symmetry and time-reversal symmetry (TRS), which are usually achieved via heterostructure engineering and applying external magnetic fields. Here, we report a pressure-induced magnetic-field-free SDE in NbSe_{2} flakes without any heterostructures. We show that pressure alone breaks the inversion symmetry, as confirmed by the second harmonic generation. Crucially, upon applying an out-of-plane magnetic field (B), the SDE exhibits even-in-B behavior, implying the absence of explicit TRS breaking. This finding challenges the prevailing theoretical paradigm and demonstrates that a magnetic-field-free SDE can emerge without explicitly breaking TRS. Thereby, our Letter establishes pressure engineering as a powerful tool for inducing nonreciprocal superconductivity and designing versatile, magnetic-field-free superconducting devices.
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