Observing Edge Asymmetry Driven Enhanced Superconducting Diode Efficiency

Recent research efforts surrounding the superconducting diode effect have led to a better understanding of the theory underpinning the mechanism. Defects along the edges of superconductors allows for current crowding and the asymmetrical penetration of flux vortices on the edges of the material. When an out-of-plane magnetic field is applied, these phenomena, together with the Meissner screening current, result in a non-reciprocal current which leads to superconducting diode phenomenon. This scalable approach has the potential to build a highly energy efficient non-volatile memory and logic circuit using classical superconducting materials, providing motivation for further research. This work examines the effects of an asymmetrical edge in the form of a zig-zag pattern on the diode efficiency of a pure vanadium superconductor with the goal of maximizing the efficiency; efficiencies up to 50% were obtained for a pure vanadium device.