Dynamics and phonon-induced decoherence of Andreev level qubit

We present a detailed theory for the Andreev level qubit, a system consisting of a highly transmissive quantum point contact embedded in a superconducting loop. The two-level Hamiltonian for Andreev levels interacting with quantum phase fluctuations is derived by using a path integral method. We also derive a kinetic equation describing qubit decoherence due to interaction of the Andreev levels with acoustic phonons. The collision terms are nonlinear due to the fermionic nature of the Andreev states, leading to slow nonexponential relaxation and dephasing of the qubit at temperatures smaller than the qubit level spacing

Resonant multiple Andreev reflections in mesoscopic superconducting junctions

We investigate the properties of subharmonic gap structure (SGS) in superconducting quantum contacts with normal-electron resonances. We find two distinct new features of the SGS in resonant junctions which distinguish them from non-resonant point contacts: (i) The odd-order structures on the current-voltage characteristics of resonant junctions are strongly enhanced and have pronounced peaks, while the even-order structures are suppressed, in the case of a normal electron resonance being close to the Fermi level. (ii) Tremendous current peaks develop at $eV=\pm 2E_0$ where $E_0$ indicates a distance of the resonance to the Fermi level. These properties are determined by the effect of narrowing of the resonance during multiple Andreev reflections and by overlap of electron and hole resonances.Comment: 13 pages, 10 figure

Impurity-induced dephasing of Andreev states

A study is presented concerning the influence of flicker noise in the junction transparency on coherent transport in Andreev states. The amount of dephasing is estimated for a microwave-activated quantum interferometer. Possibilities of experimentally investigating the coupling between a superconducting quantum point contact and its electromagnetic environment are discussed.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figure

Hamiltonian approach to the ac Josephson effect in superconducting-normal hybrid systems

The ac Josephson effect in hybrid systems of a normal mesoscopic conductor coupled to two superconducting (S) leads is investigated theoretically. A general formula of the ac components of time-dependent current is derived which is valid for arbitrary interactions in the normal region. We apply this formula to analyze a S-normal-S system where the normal region is a noninteracting single level quantum dot. We report the physical behavior of time-averaged nonequilibrium distribution of electrons in the quantum dot, the formation of Andreev bound states, and ac components of the time-dependent current. The distribution is found to exhibit a population inversion; and all Andreev bound states between the superconducting gap $\Delta$ carry the same amount of current and in the same flow direction. The ac components of time-dependent current show strong oscillatory behavior in marked contrast to the subharmonic gap structure of the average current.Comment: 23 pages, 10 figures, LaTe

Multiple Andreev reflection in single atom niobium junctions

Quantum Matter and Optic

Coherent effects in double-barrier Josephson junctions

The general solution for ballistic electronic transport through double-barrier Josephson junctions is derived. We show the existence of a regime of phase-coherent transport in which the supercurrent is proportional to the single barrier transparency and the way in which this coherence is destroyed for increasing interlayer thickness. The quasiparticle dc current at arbitrary voltage is determined.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.

Current noise in long diffusive SNS junctions in the incoherent MAR regime

Spectral density of current fluctuations at zero frequency is calculated for a long diffusive SNS junction with low-resistive interfaces. At low temperature, T << Delta, the subgap shot noise approaches linear voltage dependence, S=(2/ 3R)(eV + 2Delta), which is the sum of the shot noise of the normal conductor and voltage independent excess noise. This result can also be interpreted as the 1/3-suppressed Poisson noise for the effective charge q = e(1+2Delta/eV) transferred by incoherent multiple Andreev reflections (MAR). At higher temperatures, anomalies of the current noise develop at the gap subharmonics, eV = 2Delta/n. The crossover to the hot electron regime from the MAR regime is analyzed in the limit of small applied voltages.Comment: improved version, to be published in Phys. Rev.

Full Counting Statistics of Multiple Andreev Reflections in incoherent diffusive superconducting junctions

We present a theory for the full distribution of current fluctuations in incoherent diffusive superconducting junctions, subjected to a voltage bias. This theory of full counting statistics of incoherent multiple Andreev reflections is valid for arbitrary applied voltage. We present a detailed discussion of the properties of the first four cumulants as well as the low and high voltage regimes of the full counting statistics. The work is an extension of the results of Pilgram and the author, Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 086806 (2005).Comment: Included in special issue Spin Physics of Superconducting heterostructures of Applied Physics A: Materials Science & Processin

Subharmonic gap structure in d-wave superconductors

We present a self-consistent theory of current-voltage characteristics of d-wave/d-wave contacts at arbitrary transparency. In particular, we address the open problem of the observation of subharmonic gap structure (SGS) in cuprate junctions. Our analysis shows that: (i) the SGS is possible in d-wave superconductors, (ii) the existence of bound states within the gap results in an even-odd effect in the SGS, (iii) elastic scattering mechanisms, like impurities or surface roughness, may suppress the SGS, and (iv) in the presence of a magnetic field the Doppler shift of the Andreev bound states leads to a very peculiar splitting of the SGS, which is an unambiguous fingerprint of d-wave superconductivity.Comment: Revtex4, 4 pages, 5 figure

Non-Equilibrium Quasiclassical Theory for Josephson Structures

We present a non-equilibrium quasiclassical formalism suitable for studying linear response ac properties of Josephson junctions. The non-equilibrium self-consistency equations are satisfied, to very good accuracy, already in zeroth iteration. We use the formalism to study ac Josephson effect in a ballistic superconducting point contact. The real and imaginary parts of the ac linear conductance are calculated both analytically (at low frequencies) and numerically (at arbitrary frequency). They show strong temperature, frequency, and phase dependence. Many anomalous properties appear near phi = pi. We ascribe them to the presence of zero energy bound states.Comment: 11 pages, 9 figures, Final version to appear in PR