Institute for Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany.
Phys Rev Lett. 2018 Nov 30;121(22):226604. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.121.226604.
We study Josephson junctions based on inversion-asymmetric but time-reversal symmetric Weyl semimetals under the influence of Zeeman fields. We find that, due to distinct spin textures, the Weyl nodes of opposite chirality respond differently to an external magnetic field. Remarkably, a Zeeman field perpendicular to the junction direction results in a phase shift of opposite sign in the current-phase relations of opposite chirality. This leads to a finite chirality Josephson current (CJC) even in the absence of a phase difference across the junction. This feature could allow for applications in chiralitytronics. In the long junction and zero temperature limit, the CJC embodies a novel quantum anomaly of Goldstone bosons at π phase difference which is associated with a Z_{2} symmetry at low energies. It can be detected experimentally via an anomalous Fraunhofer pattern.
我们研究了在磁场作用下基于反转非对称但时间反转对称的外尔半金属的约瑟夫森结。我们发现,由于不同的自旋纹理,相反手性的外尔节点对外磁场的响应不同。值得注意的是,垂直于结方向的塞曼场会导致相反手性的电流-相位关系中的相移具有相反的符号。这导致即使在结两端没有相位差的情况下,也会存在有限的手性约瑟夫森电流(CJC)。这个特性可能会在手性电子学中得到应用。在长结和零温度极限下,CJC 体现了π相位差下 Goldstone 玻色子的一种新量子反常,这种反常与低能下的 Z_2 对称性有关。它可以通过异常的夫琅和费模式实验检测到。