Observation of nonreciprocal superconducting critical field

Abstract

We report that the superconducting critical magnetic field can be nonreciprocal under a bias of an electric current in a superconducting [Nb/V/Ta]n superlattice without a center of inversion. The critical magnetic field showed a clear difference between positive and negative magnetic fields. Furthermore, the magnitude relation between the positive and negative critical magnetic fields is reversed when the direction of the electric current is reversed. Our findings indicate that the superconducting gap can be anisotropic by the application of an electric current.