Josephson diode effect from Cooper pair momentum in a topological semimetal

Abstract Cooper pairs in non-centrosymmetric superconductors can acquire finite centre-of-mass momentum in the presence of an external magnetic field. Recent theory predicts that such finite-momentum pairing can lead to an asymmetric critical current, where a dissipationless supercurrent can flow along one direction but not in the opposite one. Here we report the discovery of a giant Josephson diode effect in Josephson junctions formed from a type-II Dirac semimetal, NiTe 2 . A distinguishing feature is that the asymmetry in the critical current depends sensitively on the magnitude and direction of an applied magnetic field and achieves its maximum value when the magnetic field is perpendicular to the current…

• NS
  National Science Foundation
• DA
  David and Lucile Packard Foundation
• SF
  Simons Foundation
• MI
  Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• DF
  Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

  Awards: 443406107, 443406107, Priority Programme (SPP) 2244
• SN
  Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung

  Award: P500PT_203159
• M
  Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
• PS
  Paul Scherrer Institut