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Current induced hidden states in Josephson junctions

Author

Listed:
  • Shaowen Chen

    (Harvard University)

  • Seunghyun Park

    (Harvard University)

  • Uri Vool

    (Harvard University
    Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids)

  • Nikola Maksimovic

    (Harvard University)

  • David A. Broadway

    (University of Basel)

  • Mykhailo Flaks

    (University of Basel)

  • Tony X. Zhou

    (Harvard University
    Northrop Grumman Mission Systems)

  • Patrick Maletinsky

    (University of Basel)

  • Ady Stern

    (Weizmann Institute of Science)

  • Bertrand I. Halperin

    (Harvard University)

  • Amir Yacoby

    (Harvard University)

Abstract

Josephson junctions enable dissipation-less electrical current through metals and insulators below a critical current. Despite being central to quantum technology based on superconducting quantum bits and fundamental research into self-conjugate quasiparticles, the spatial distribution of super current flow at the junction and its predicted evolution with current bias and external magnetic field remain experimentally elusive. Revealing the hidden current flow, featureless in electrical resistance, helps understanding unconventional phenomena such as the nonreciprocal critical current, i.e., Josephson diode effect. Here we introduce a platform to visualize super current flow at the nanoscale. Utilizing a scanning magnetometer based on nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond, we uncover competing ground states electrically switchable within the zero-resistance regime. The competition results from the superconducting phase re-configuration induced by the Josephson current and kinetic inductance of thin-film superconductors. We further identify a new mechanism for the Josephson diode effect involving the Josephson current-induced phase. The nanoscale super current flow emerges as a new experimental observable for elucidating unconventional superconductivity, and optimizing quantum computation and energy-efficient devices.

Suggested Citation

  • Shaowen Chen & Seunghyun Park & Uri Vool & Nikola Maksimovic & David A. Broadway & Mykhailo Flaks & Tony X. Zhou & Patrick Maletinsky & Ady Stern & Bertrand I. Halperin & Amir Yacoby, 2024. "Current induced hidden states in Josephson junctions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-52271-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52271-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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