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.
Authors
- Constantin Schrade
- Yinqi Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6885-3478)
- Yang Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0883-8233)
- Cheng Xu
Institutions
- Louisiana State University (US)
- National University of Singapore (SG)
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville (US)
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
- 0.00