English

High-frequency diode effect in superconducting Nb$_3$Sn micro-bridges

Superconductivity 2023-02-23 v2

Abstract

The superconducting diode effect has been recently reported in a variety of systems and different symmetry breaking mechanisms have been examined. However, the frequency range of these potentially important devices still remains obscure. We investigated superconducting micro-bridges of Nb3_{3}Sn in out-of-plane magnetic fields; optimum magnetic fields of \sim10 mT generate \sim 10% diode efficiency, while higher fields of \sim15-20 mT quench the effect. The diode changes its polarity with magnetic field reversal. We documented superconductive diode rectification at frequencies up to 100 kHz, the highest reported as of today. Interestingly, the bridge resistance during diode operation reaches a value that is a factor of two smaller than in its normal state, which is compatible with the vortex-caused mechanism of resistivity. This is confirmed by finite element modeling based on time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations. To explain experimental findings, no assumption of lattice thermal inequilibrium was required. Dissimilar edges of the superconductor strip can be responsible for the inversion symmetry breaking by vortex penetration barrier; visual evidence of this opportunity was revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Estimates are in favor of much higher (GHz) range of frequencies for this type of diode.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2211.11537,
  title  = {High-frequency diode effect in superconducting Nb$_3$Sn micro-bridges},
  author = {Sara Chahid and Serafim Teknowijoyo and Iris Mowgood and Armen Gulian},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2211.11537},
  year   = {2023}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-28T06:22:48.562Z