Harnessing the superconducting diode effect through inhomogeneous magnetic fields

Author(s)

Cadorim, Leonardo Rodrigues ; Sardella, Edson ; Silva, Clecio C. de Souza

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PHYSICAL REVIEW APPLIED; v. 21, n. 5, p. 13-pg., 2024-05-21.

Abstract

We propose a superconducting diode device comprising a central superconducting film flanked by two wires carrying an applied dc bias, suitably chosen so as to generate different asymmetric field profiles. Through numerical simulations of the coupled Ginzburg-Landau and heat -diffusion equations, we show that this design is capable of efficiently breaking the reciprocity of the critical current in the central superconductor, thus promoting the diode effect in response to an applied ac. By adjusting the dc bias in the wires, we find the optimum inhomogeneous field profile that facilitates the entrance of vortices and antivortices in a given polarity of the applied ac and impede their entrance in the other polarity. This way, the system behaves as a superconducting half -wave rectifier, with diode efficiencies surpassing 70%. Furthermore, we detail the behavior and diode efficiency of the system under different experimental conditions, such as the substrate heat -transfer coefficient and the sweep rate of the external current. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/03947-2 - Characterization of magnetic and electronic properties in mesoscopic and nanostructured multiband superconductors
• Grantee: Leonardo Rodrigues Cadorim
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 20/10058-0 - Study of the resistive state of meoscopic superconductors of finite thickness
• Grantee: Edson Sardella
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants