Influence of electron–electron interactions on supercurrent in SNS structures

A superconductor–normal quantum dot–superconductor structure where the number of electrons in the dot can be controlled by a gate voltage is considered. The effect of electron–electron interactions on the supercurrent between the two superconductors is studied. Using an analytic model and numerical...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Low temperature physics (Woodbury, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2003-07, Vol.29 (7), p.546-550
Main Authors: Engström, K., Kinaret, J., Shekhter, R. I., Puska, M., Saarikoski, H.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:A superconductor–normal quantum dot–superconductor structure where the number of electrons in the dot can be controlled by a gate voltage is considered. The effect of electron–electron interactions on the supercurrent between the two superconductors is studied. Using an analytic model and numerical density functional calculations it is found that Coulomb interactions can make the system quantum-mechanically more “rigid,” i.e. increase its sensitivity to phase gradients, thereby enhancing the supercurrent through the structure, especially for small phase differences. Accordingly, it is found that the supercurrent in this structure can be controlled by the gate voltage.
ISSN:1063-777X
1090-6517
DOI:10.1063/1.1596575