Dr. Tianzhe Chen completes PhD with work on 2D superconductors

We congratulate Tianzhe on this successful defense!

January 13, 2026
PhD

Title: “Nonreciprocal transport in the two-dimensional limit of superconductivity”

Tianzhe’s thesis investigates superconductivity in the two-dimensional limit, where quantum confinement and symmetry breaking strongly influence the system, leading to unconventional transport phenomena. This dissertation examines the interplay among superconductivity, inversion symmetry breaking, and time-reversal symmetry breaking, with a focus on magnetochiral anisotropy and the superconducting diode effect. Two experimental approaches are employed: epitaxially strained, non-centrosymmetric superconducting thin films and s-wave superconductor-multiferroic heterostructures. The results demonstrate two-dimensional superconductivity, modulated superconducting states, and both field-free and field-induced superconducting diode effects arising from distinct symmetry-breaking mechanisms. These findings reveal how intentional materials design and interfacial engineering can control nonreciprocal superconducting behavior. 

Overall, Tianzhe’s work establishes symmetry breaking as a key principle for engineering superconducting spintronic functionalities, offering promising pathways toward low-power superconducting devices and quantum technologies.

Slide discussing nonreciprocal transport in superconductors, including diagrams and equations, viewed by an audience.
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