Non-constant geometric curvature for tailored spin-orbit coupling and chirality in superconductor-magnet heterostructures

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how varying the geometric curvature of magnetic wires can tailor spin-orbit coupling and influence superconducting proximity effects, enabling new device functionalities in superconductor-magnet heterostructures.

Contribution

It introduces a method to engineer non-relativistic spin-orbit coupling through magnetic curvature profiles, impacting superconducting correlations and device design.

Findings

Curvature-dependent spin polarization of superconducting correlations.

Ground state determination in mixed-chirality junctions influenced by curvature.

Potential for novel device applications like spin-triplet SQUIDs.

Abstract

We show that tailoring the geometric curvature profile of magnets can be used for bespoke design of an effective non-relativistic spin-orbit coupling, which may be used to control proximity effects if the magnet is coupled to a superconductor. We consider proximity-coupled one-dimensional magnetic wires with variable curvatures, specifically three distinct shapes classified as J-, C-, and S-type. We demonstrate a chirality-dependent spin polarization of the superconducting correlations, and show the role of curvature in determining the ground state of mixed-chirality junctions. We speculate on how this may be implemented in novel device design, and include analysis of its usage in a spin-triplet SQUID