Abstract
We report transport studies through Nb-based superconducting meander wires fabricated by focused ion beam milling technique. The effect of meandering on quantum transport has been probed experimentally by a direct comparison with the pristine thin-film device before meandering. The normal metal (NM) to superconductor (SC) phase transition becomes a wide and multi-step transition by meandering. Below the transition temperature (T c), the resistance-versus-temperature measurements reveal resistive tailing which is explained by the thermally activated phase slip (TAPS) mechanism. The TAPS fit indicates a selective region of the meander to be responsible for the resistive tailing. Besides, the phase slip (PS) mechanism in the meander is evident in its current–voltage characteristics that feature the stair-case type intermediate resistive steps (IRSs) during the SC–NM transition. The modulation of the IRSs is investigated with respect to temperature and external magnetic field. It is observed that the PS events are facilitated by magnetic fields up to about 250 mT. Further, the critical current varies strongly on the temperature and magnetic field for T < 0.5 T c and H ⩽ 100 mT where it fluctuates in an oscillatory manner. Finally, Nb based meander structures can be promising candidates for future PS based studies and applications.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.