Finite-momentum superconductivity from chiral bands in twisted MoTe2

A recent experiment has reported unconventional superconductivity in twisted bilayer MoTe<sub>2</sub>, emerging from a normal state that exhibits a finite anomalous Hall effect - a signature of intrinsic chirality. Motivated by this discovery, we construct a continuum model for twisted MoTe<sub>2</sub> constrained by lattice symmetries from first-principles calculations that captures the moiré-induced inversion symmetry breaking even in the absence of a displacement field. Building on this model, we show that overscreening of the nominally repulsive Coulomb interaction gives rise to finite-momentum superconductivity in this chiral moiré system. Remarkably, the finite-momentum superconducting state can arise solely from internal symmetry breaking of the moiré superlattice, differentiating it from previously studied cases that require external fields. It further features a nonreciprocal quasiparticle dispersion and an intrinsic superconducting diode effect. Our results highlight a novel route to unconventional superconducting states in twisted transition metal dichalcogenides moiré systems, driven entirely by intrinsic symmetry-breaking effects.

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Publication Details

Journal
Nature Communications
Published
2026-01-07
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-67836-9
Primary Topic
2D Materials and Applications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Finite-momentum superconductivity from chiral bands in twisted MoTe2

Constantin Schrade, Yinqi Chen, Yang Zhang, Cheng Xu
Nature Communications
2D Materials and Applications
article

Finite-momentum superconductivity from chiral bands in twisted MoTe2

Constantin Schrade, Yinqi Chen, Yang Zhang, Cheng Xu
article en

Abstract

A recent experiment has reported unconventional superconductivity in twisted bilayer MoTe<sub>2</sub>, emerging from a normal state that exhibits a finite anomalous Hall effect - a signature of intrinsic chirality. Motivated by this discovery, we construct a continuum model for twisted MoTe<sub>2</sub> constrained by lattice symmetries from first-principles calculations that captures the moiré-induced inversion symmetry breaking even in the absence of a displacement field. Building on this model, we show that overscreening of the nominally repulsive Coulomb interaction gives rise to finite-momentum superconductivity in this chiral moiré system. Remarkably, the finite-momentum superconducting state can arise solely from internal symmetry breaking of the moiré superlattice, differentiating it from previously studied cases that require external fields. It further features a nonreciprocal quasiparticle dispersion and an intrinsic superconducting diode effect. Our results highlight a novel route to unconventional superconducting states in twisted transition metal dichalcogenides moiré systems, driven entirely by intrinsic symmetry-breaking effects.

Nature CommunicationsVol. 17(1)
Louisiana State University (US), National University of Singapore (SG), University of Tennessee at Knoxville (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 95%
2D Materials and Applications
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