Work

Targeted modifications of monolithic multiterminal superconducting weak-links

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: In a multi-branch metallic interconnect we demonstrate the possibility to induce targeted modifications of the material properties by properly selecting the intensity and polarity of the applied current. We illustrate this effect in Y-shape multiterminal devices made of Nb on sapphire for which we show that the superconducting critical current can be lowered in a controlled manner at a preselected junction. We further observe the gradual appearance of Fraunhofer-like critical current oscillations with magnetic field which indicates the gradual modification of a superconducting weak link. This method permits progressive modifications of a hand-picked junction without affecting the neighboring terminals. The proposed approach has the benefit of being inexpensive and requiring conventional electronics. This technique represents a major step toward all-electric control of multiterminal Josephson junctions.

Source: Nanoscale

DOI: 10.1039/d2nr00026a

Authors: Simon Collienne, Danial Majidi, Joris Van de Vondel, Clemens B. Winkelmann, Alejandro V. Silhanek

Institutions: University of Liège, Institut polytechnique de Grenoble, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Néel, KU Leuven

Language: English

Topic: Superconducting and THz Device Technology

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: European Cooperation in Science and Technology, Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique - FNRS, Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

Awards: G2107171531, G2580954858, G2742290448, G5984031072, Multi-terminal superconductor/graphene nano-devices:From fundamental understanding of the microscopic transport processes towards new macroscopic quantum devices.