Supercurrent generation by spin-twisting itinerant motion of electrons

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new mechanism for supercurrent generation based on spin-twisting electron motion with Rashba spin-orbit interaction, challenging the traditional electron pairing explanation of superconductivity.

Contribution

It introduces a supercurrent generation mechanism without electron pairing, demonstrating an energy minimum and flux quantum consistent with observed superconductivity.

Findings

Identifies an energy minimum in spin-twisting electron systems

Derives the London equation form of supercurrent

Shows flux quantum $h/2e$ in the proposed mechanism

Abstract

Superconductivity is a phenomena where an external-feeding current flows through the system without voltage drop. This indicates the existence of an energy minimum under the current feeding boundary condition. Although it is believed that superconductivity is explained by the BCS theory that attributes the origin of superconductivity to the electron pair formation, such an energy minimum has never been obtained by it. We have found such a minimum in the system exhibiting spin twisting itinerant motion of electrons with the Rashba spin-orbit interaction, but without referring to the electron pairing. The supercurrent is shown to have the London equation form that exhibits the flux quantum $h/2e$. This supercurrent generation mechanism may be the one actually occurring in real superconductors instead of the one explained by the BCS theory.