Vortex spin-valve on a topological insulator

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a novel spin-valve effect on a topological insulator that can toggle quantum vortices on and off, offering a new method for controlling quantum vortex states in superconducting systems.

Contribution

It introduces a new application of spin-valves combined with topological insulators and superconductors to control quantum vortices, differing from traditional resistance-modifying roles.

Findings

Spin-valve can induce vortex nucleation in the antiparallel state.

No vortices appear in the parallel configuration.

The effect enables switching quantum vortices on and off.

Abstract

Spin-valve structures are usually associated with the ability to modify the resistance of electrical currents. We here demonstrate a profoundly different effect of a spin-valve. In combination with a topological insulator and superconducting materials, we show that a spin-valve can be used to toggle quantum vortices in and out of existence. In the antiparallel configuration, the spin-valve causes superconducting vortex nucleation. In the parallel configuration, however, no vortices appear. This switching effect suggests a new way to control quantum vortices.