Superconducting diode effect under time-reversal symmetry.

Liu, Fengshuo; Itahashi, Yuki M; Aoki, Shunta; Dong, Yu; Wang, Ziqian; Ogawa, Naoki; Ideue, Toshiya; Iwasa, Yoshihiro · Sci Adv · 2024

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

In noncentrosymmetric superconductors, superconducting and normal conductions can interchange on the basis of the current flow direction. This effect is termed a superconducting diode effect (SDE), which is a focal point of recent research. The broken inversion and time-reversal symmetry is believed to be the requirements of SDE, but their intrinsic role has remained elusive. Here, we report strain-controlled SDEs in a layered trigonal superconductor, PbTaSe<sub>2</sub>. The SDE was found exclusively in a strained device with its absence in an unstrained device despite that it is allowed in unstrained trigonal structure. Moreover, the zero-field or magnetic field-even (magnetic field-odd) SDE is observed when the strain and current are along armchair (zigzag) direction The results unambiguously demonstrate the intrinsic SDE under time-reversal symmetry and the critical role of strain-induced electric polarization.