Anisotropic Paramagnetic Meissner Effect by Spin-Orbit Coupling

TL;DR

This paper explores how spin-orbit coupling can induce an anisotropic and sign-changing Meissner effect in superconductors, offering a new way to control electromagnetic responses in hybrid magnetic-superconducting systems.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mechanism where spin-orbit interactions cause an anisotropic, tunable Meissner response that can change sign with magnetic field orientation.

Findings

Spin-orbit coupling induces anisotropic Meissner effect.

The electromagnetic response can be tuned and reversed.

Potential applications in hybrid magnetic-superconducting devices.

Abstract

Conventional $s$-wave superconductors repel external magnetic flux. However, a recent experiment [A. Di Bernardo et al., Phys. Rev. X \textbf{5}, 041021 (2015)] has tailored the electromagnetic response of superconducting correlations via adjacent magnetic materials. We consider another route to alter the Meissner effect where spin-orbit interactions induce an anisotropic Meissner response that changes sign depending on the field orientation. The tunable electromagnetic response opens new paths in the utilization of hybrid systems comprised of magnets and superconductors.