English

Finite-momentum superconductivity from chiral bands in twisted MoTe$_2$

Superconductivity 2025-06-24 v1

Abstract

A recent experiment has reported unconventional superconductivity in twisted bilayer MoTe2_2, emerging from a normal state that exhibits a finite anomalous Hall effect -- a signature of intrinsic chirality. Motivated by this discovery, we construct a continuum model for twisted MoTe2_2 constrained by lattice symmetries from first-principles calculations that captures the moir\'{e}-induced inversion symmetry breaking even in the absence of a displacement field. Building on this model, we show that repulsive interactions give rise to finite-momentum superconductivity via the Kohn-Luttinger mechanism in this chiral moir\'{e} system. Remarkably, the finite-momentum superconducting state can arise solely from internal symmetry breaking of the moir\'{e} superlattice, differentiating it from previously studied cases that require external fields. It further features a nonreciprocal quasiparticle dispersion and an intrinsic superconducting diode effect. Our results highlight a novel route to unconventional superconducting states in twisted transition metal dichalcogenides moir\'{e} systems, driven entirely by intrinsic symmetry-breaking effects.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2506.18886,
  title  = {Finite-momentum superconductivity from chiral bands in twisted MoTe$_2$},
  author = {Yinqi Chen and Cheng Xu and Yang Zhang and Constantin Schrade},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2506.18886},
  year   = {2025}
}