Switchable spiral Josephson junction: a superconducting spin-valve proposal

We propose a superconducting spin valve based on a Josephson junction with B20-family magnetic metal as a barrier material. Our analysis shows that the states of this element can be switched by reorienting the intrinsic non-collinear magnetization of the spiral magnet. This reorientation modifies long-range spin-triplet correlations and thereby strongly influences the critical Josephson current. Compared to superconducting spin valves proposed earlier, our device has the following advantages: (a) it contains only one barrier layer, which makes it easier to fabricate and control; (b) its ground state is stable, which prevents uncontrolled switching; (c) it is compatible with devices of low-T Josephson electronics. This device may switch between two logical states which exhibit two different values of critical current, or its positive and negative values. I.e. 0-pi switch is achievable on a simple Josephson junction.

Automated summary

We propose a superconducting spin valve based on a Josephson junction with B20-family magnetic metal as a barrier material. By reorienting the magnetization of the spiral magnet, the states of this device can be switched, which strongly influences the critical Josephson current. Compared to previous superconducting spin valves, our device is easier to fabricate and control, has a stable ground state, and is compatible with low-T Josephson electronics.