Theory of Cooper-pair mass spectroscopy by the current-induced contact-potential difference.

Abstract

The creation of contactless Cooper-pair mass spectroscopy based on the Bernoulli-Venturi effect in thin superconducting films is suggested. The preparation of layered metal-insulator-superconductor-type heterostructures and standard electronics are necessary for the realization of the method. Two electrodes are patterned from the metallic layer: a circle and concentric-ring electrode. The currents in the superconducting film are induced by a drive coil concentric to the electrodes. The Bernoulli potential of the charged Cooper-pair superfluid creates a measurable electric polarization of gate electrodes of this plane-capacitor device. The current-induced contact-potential difference is limited by the Ginzburg-Landau potential -${\mathit{a}}_{\mathrm{GL}}$(T)= 1/2\ensuremath{\Elzxh}${\mathit{e}}^{\mathrm{*}}$${\mathit{H}}_{\mathit{c}2}$(T)/${\mathit{m}}^{\mathrm{*}}$c=${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Elzxh}}}^{2}$/2${\mathit{m}}^{\mathrm{*}}$${\ensuremath{\xi}}^{2}$(T). The additional charge of the polarized circular electrode has the same sign as the free charge carriers of the superconductor.