On-off switch and sign change for non-local Josephson diode in spin-valve Andreev molecules

TL;DR

This paper predicts a switchable non-local Josephson diode effect in spin-valve Andreev molecules, controlled by magnetic configurations, enabling precise control over supercurrents without changing global magnetic flux.

Contribution

It introduces a novel way to control the non-local Josephson diode effect using spin configurations in magnetic barriers, rather than global magnetic flux.

Findings

Diode effect can be turned on or off by magnetic configuration.

Sign of the diode effect depends on spin alignment.

Complete control over non-local Josephson diode effect achieved via spin degree of freedom.

Abstract

Andreev molecules consist of two coherently coupled Josephson junctions and permit non-local control over supercurrents. By making the barriers magnetic and thus creating a spin-valve, we predict that a non-local Josephson diode effect occurs that is switchable via the magnetic configuration of the barriers. The diode effect is turned on, off, or changes its sign depending on whether the spin-valve is in a parallel, normal, or antiparallel configuration. These results offer a way to exert complete control over a non-local Josephson diode effect via the spin degree of freedom rather than varying a global magnetic flux which affects the entire system and likely neighbouring components in a device architecture.