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  • Open Access

Photoinduced superconducting diode effect via chiral cavity modes

Arpit Arora* and Prineha Narang†

  • *Contact author: arpit22@ucla.edu
  • †Contact author: prineha@ucla.edu
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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 023167 – Published 14 May, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/t19v-dmwd

Abstract

Time-reversal symmetry breaking is an important facet of controlling nonreciprocal responses. Here, we propose a method of photocontrol over superconducting-diode-like nonreciprocities, where time-reversal symmetry breaking is achieved via photon exchange with chiral cavity modes. We reveal the origin of the nonreciprocal superconducting response as the embedding of chirality in a many-body ground state through photon-induced orbital magnetization. With twisted bilayer graphene as an example, we demonstrate the general principles of photocontrol of diode responses, which are valid for a wide range of superconductors and cavity designs. The cavity control of superconducting nonreciprocities, particularly in the microwave regime, offers a noninvasive means of exploring functionalities in quantum circuits with ultrafast switching and on-chip integration. This control method can serve as an important contribution to the toolbox for nonreciprocal models in circuit quantum electrodynamics, primed to be harnessed for scalable and modular quantum devices.

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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 023167– Published 14 May, 2026
  • Received 11 July 2025
  • Accepted 21 March 2026
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