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Noncontact Andreev Reflection as a Direct Probe of Superconductivity on the Atomic Scale.
- Source :
-
Nano letters [Nano Lett] 2022 May 25; Vol. 22 (10), pp. 4042-4048. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 May 13. - Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- Direct detection of superconductivity has long been a key strength of point-contact Andreev reflection. However, its applicability to atomic-scale imaging is limited by the mechanical contact of the Andreev probe. To this end, we present a new method to probe Andreev reflection in a tunnel junction, leveraging tunneling spectroscopy and junction tunability to achieve quantitative detection of Andreev scattering. This method enables unambiguous assignment of superconducting origins of current-carrying excitations, as well as detection of higher order Andreev processes in atomic-scale junctions. We furthermore revealed distinct sensitivity of Andreev reflection to natural defects, such as step edges, even in classical superconductors. The methodology opens a new path to nano- and atomic-scale imaging of superconducting properties, including disordered superconductors and proximity to phase transitions.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1530-6992
- Volume :
- 22
- Issue :
- 10
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Nano letters
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 35549356
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c00697