On the problem of zero-bias anomalies in the tunneling spectroscopy of superconductors

Abstract

Taking into account nonmagnetic energy-loss processes in the barrier as a model for zero-bias anomalies, we derive an expression for the derivative of the tunneling current with respect to the applied voltage as a function of the superconducting density of states in a superconductor-normal metal junction. It is assumed that boson-like excitations are created in the barrier region. The investigations show, that the results of elastic tunneling calculations have to be corrected by a term proportional to an integral over the superconducting density of states.