Josephson Junction Switching through Dynamic Spin-Orbit Coupling

Josephson junctions (JJs) are a sought for a wide variety of uses for their unique current-phase characteristics. We have proposed a mechanism to modify these relationships through the use of time-dependent gate-controlled spin-orbit coupling on planar JJs[1]. By combining both Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling types dynamically with JJs ability to host topological superconductivity and the superconducting diode effect [2], we demonstrate that JJs can be switched into their active state without the use of an external bias current[3]. We argue that this driving method offers new applications in manipulation of Majorana bound states, are robust under practical implementation, and have new implications in superconducting electronics and spintronics for emerging systems.

[1] D. Monroe, M. Alidoust, I. Žutić, Phys Rev. App. 18, L031001 (2022).

[2] M. C. Dartiailh et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 036802 (2021).

[3] D. Monroe et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 125, 012601 (2024).