Diode Effect in Gd3Ga5O12/Y3Fe5O12/Nb Structures.

The transport properties of niobium films and strips fabricated on Y₃Fe₅O₁₂ single-crystal films with the (111) and (100) orientations are studied in a wide temperature range from 300 to 4 K. It is shown that a decrease in the temperature of the superconducting transition and its broadening are more significant for the (111) orientation of the films, despite the fact that numerous magnetic-domain walls are localized under the niobium strips and should enhance superconductivity. It is shown that the dependence of the niobium resistance on the direction of magnetization and current is observed only in narrow and thin niobium strips and disappears as they thicken. Rotation of the in-plane magnetic field makes it possible to effectively switch the resistance of such structures in the region of an extended superconducting transition. A scheme for creating a diode effect on niobium strips is proposed and implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]