Seeking out New Functions for Superconducting Nanoelectronics
June 16, 2017 | University of TokyoEstimated reading time: 2 minutes

A team of researchers at the University of Tokyo and their collaborators discovered that a two-dimensional semiconductor with a broken inversion symmetry demonstrates rectification, or the property of a diode, under a magnetic field applied in a certain direction. This finding provides important insights essential for developing the next generation of superconducting nanoelectronic materials.
In general, a magnetic field applied in a specific direction in a system in which the spatial inversion symmetry is broken generates rectifying characteristics, but the rectification property is larger in the superconducting state, compared to the normal conducting state. 2017 Ryohei Wakatsuki, Yu Saito.
Superconductivity is a property in which electrical resistance disappears; it has been the focus of much basic and applied research around the world as a next-generation technology that could enhance energy conservation. The integration of superconductors is expected to play an important role in next-generation computing systems, such as in the area of superconducting quantum bits; thus, there is much demand for the development of new functions of superconducting nanoelectronics for these purposes—especially superconductors with a rectifying property, i.e., superconducting diodes. Although recent research has revealed rectification in a normal conductor crystal with a broken inversion symmetry, not much research has been conducted on the rectification property of a superconductor lacking inversion symmetry.
The research group led by graduate students Ryohei Wakatsuki and Yu Saito, Professor Yoshihiro Iwasa, and Professor Naoto Nagaosa at the Graduate School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo, and their collaborators fabricated an electric double-layer transistor (EDLT) structure, a kind of field effect transistor, using a high-quality single crystal of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a layered material that is a type of atomic film material. The capacity of electrons induced by the strong electric field to accumulate on the surface of a single crystal of MoS2 in this structure makes it possible to realize synthetically the extremely thin, one-atomic-layer-thick ultimate two-dimensional superconductivity. In the current study, the researchers measured the electric conduction characteristics of a MoS2-EDLT device with a magnetic field applied perpendicular to the surface. They observed extremely large rectifying characteristics in the superconducting state by measuring the second harmonic component of electric resistance to examine rectification.
Moreover, the scientists applied theoretical calculations for superconducting fluctuation currents to explain the mechanism of the enhanced rectification property, and showed that the phenomenon could occur in any superconductor with a broken inversion symmetry.
"The nonlinear response of rectifying characteristics and electric current discovered in this research is considered to be a universal phenomenon in superconductors in which the spatial inversion symmetry has been broken," says Professor Nagaosa. He continues, "The present result will pave the way for the development of functions of superconducting nanoelectronics, as well as become the cornerstone of a new academic field created to study two-dimensional superconductivity with broken spatial inversion symmetry."
Testimonial
"Advertising in PCB007 Magazine has been a great way to showcase our bare board testers to the right audience. The I-Connect007 team makes the process smooth and professional. We’re proud to be featured in such a trusted publication."
Klaus Koziol - atgSuggested Items
Siemens, PTC, and Dassault Systèmes Named Leaders in ABI Research's PLM Assessment for Large Discrete Manufacturers
07/28/2025 | PRNewswireThe Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) market has witnessed significant developments over the past year with the rise of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), digital twins, and Generative AI (Gen AI) becoming integral for large discrete manufacturers.
TRI to Exhibit at SMTA Queretaro Expo 2025
07/16/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading provider of test and inspection systems for the electronics manufacturing industry, is pleased to announce plans to exhibit at the SMTA Querétaro Expo 2025, scheduled to take place on July 24, 2025, at the Querétaro Centro de Congresos y Teatro Metropolitano.
Hon Hai Research Institute Achieves Breakthrough in Quantum Cryptography Recognized by Leading Global Conference
06/17/2025 | FoxconnHon Hai Research Institute (HHRI), the research arm of Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), the world’s largest electronics manufacturer and technology service provider, has achieved a significant breakthrough in quantum computing.
VIAVI, Hanyang University Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Advance 6G Research
06/10/2025 | PRNewswireVIAVI Solutions Inc. and Hanyang University, one of South Korea's leading academic institutions, today announced a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on AI-RAN, 5G and 6G research at the university's Beyond-G Global Innovation Center.
IDC Increases its PC and Tablet Forecasts Despite Tariff Uncertainty
06/02/2025 | IDCAfter recording strong results in the first quarter of 2025, IDC is increasing its traditional PC forecast for 2025 — this comes despite the significant impact that US tariffs have had on its trading partners’ market sentiment.