Highly Efficient Superconducting Diodes and Rectifiers for Quantum Circuitry

Abstract: Superconducting electronics is essential for energy-efficient quantum and classical high-end computing applications. Towards this goal, non-reciprocal superconducting circuit elements, such as superconducting diodes (SDs) can fulfill many critical needs. SDs have been the subject of multiple studies, but integrating several SDs in a superconducting circuit remains a challenge. Here we implement the first SD bridge with multiple SDs exhibiting reproducible characteristics operating at temperatures of a few Kelvin. We demonstrate its functionality as a full wave rectifier using elemental superconductors and insulating ferromagnets, with efficiency up to 43%, and ac to dc signal conversion capabilities at frequencies up to 40 kHz. Our results show a pathway with a highly scalable thin film platform for nonreciprocal superconducting circuits. They could significantly reduce energy consumption as well as decohering thermal and electromagnetic noise in quantum computing.