Laser creates superconducting nanostructures on topological semimetal films, demonstrating a magnetic-free superconducting diode effect

Researchers developed a laser-based method to create superconducting nanostructures on topological semimetal films. This technique allows for precise patterning of superconducting materials, paving the way for advanced quantum devices. The new method uses focused laser light to locally transform a topological Dirac semimetal film into a superconducting metal. This process creates high-quality, arbitrary-shaped superconducting nanostructures with atomic-level flatness, minimizing processing damage. The fabricated superconducting nanolines exhibit a diode effect, allowing current to flow preferentially in one direction even without an external magnetic field. This breakthrough is expected to advance the development of superconducting quantum circuits and devices.