Circuit-level-configurable Zero-field Superconducting Diodes: A Universal Platform Beyond Intrinsic Symmetry Breaking

TL;DR

This paper introduces a universal, circuit-level configurable superconducting diode effect that operates without intrinsic symmetry breaking, enabling scalable, low-dissipation superconducting electronics.

Contribution

It demonstrates a field-free, controllable superconducting diode effect based on circuit resistance, challenging previous material-based explanations and enabling functional reconfiguration.

Findings

Achieved zero-field SDE through external circuit resistance.

Demonstrated electrical switching and modulation of diode polarity and efficiency.

Established a scalable platform for superconducting electronics.

Abstract

Modern industry seeks next-generation microelectronics with ultra-low dissipation and noise beyond semiconducting systems, where the superconducting electronics offer promise. Its physical foundation is the superconducting diode effect (SDE) with nonreciprocal supercurrent. SDE has hitherto mainly relied on material-specific intrinsic symmetry breaking in superconductors, suffering from low yield, controllability, and compatibility with further functional extension - an undesirable aspect for applications. Here, we demonstrated a field-free SDE due to the chemical potential shift from external circuit line resistance, which is generic and challenges the previous interpretations of the intrinsic symmetry breaking in superconductivity for zero-field SDE. Moreover, this SDE is circuit-level configurable since it can be electrically switched on/off with its polarity and efficiency precisely modulated via gate voltage and circuit reconfiguration, facilitating functional extension. Such a generic, controllable and extensible SDE addresses critical challenges in dissipationless circuit towards application, and thus establishes a robust platform for scalable superconducting electronics.