From Traveling Waves to Synthetic Gauge Fields: A Field-Free Route to Superconducting Diode Effect

Abstract:The superconducting diode effect requires the forward and reverse bias currents to differ, a scenario achieved via inversion and time-reversal symmetries broken together. The latter, and the more crucial one, is inevitably achieved by a magnetic field. Here, we show that a spatio-temporally driven chemical potential of the form, $\mu_j(t)=\mu+V\cos(\omega t+\kd j)$, achieves both at once. Applied to a helical Shiba chain, the drive transmutes a traveling Peierls phase via generating an odd-in-momentum term, equivalent to an imaginary next-nearest-neighbour Haldane-like hopping in real space. Remarkably, the protocol is spin-blind, which renders the time-reversal breaking via a synthetic gauge flux rather than an effective Zeeman field. The rectification is odd in the drive wavevector, with exact zeros at $\kd=n\pi$ and an analytical optimum at $\kd=2\pi/3$. It is however, even in the exchange coupling, $J$ and persists even at $J=0$. Furthermore, the rectification scales inversely with the pair-breaking gap, yielding approximately $50\%$ rectification in the topological phase and $10\%$ in the trivial phase. Symmetry breaking is thus drive-controlled, allowing it to be switched on, tuned, and reversed without an external magnetic field.

Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics (cond-mat.mes-hall); Other Condensed Matter (cond-mat.other); Quantum Physics (quant-ph)

arXiv:2610.29865 [cond-mat.mes-hall]

(or arXiv:2610.29865v1 [cond-mat.mes-hall] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2610.29865 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.