Superconducting properties of corner-shaped Al microstrips

The electrical transport properties of corner-shaped Al superconducting microstrips have been investigated. We demonstrate that the sharp turns lead to asymmetric vortex dynamics, allowing for easier penetration from the inner concave angle than from the outer convex angle. This effect is evidenced by a strong rectification of the voltage signal otherwise absent in straight superconducting strips. At low magnetic fields, an enhancement of the critical current with increasing magnetic field is observed for a particular combination of field and current polarity, confirming a recently theoretically predicted competing interplay of superconducting screening currents and applied currents at the inner side of the turn.