Physics – Condensed Matter – Superconductivity
Scientific paper
2006-02-27
Physics
Condensed Matter
Superconductivity
Scientific paper
10.1103/PhysRevB.73.224511
We study the effects of quantum interference in impurity structures consisting of two or three magnetic impurities that are located on the surface of an s-wave superconductor. By using a self-consistent Bogoliubov-de Gennes formalism, we show that quantum interference leads to characteristic signatures not only in the local density of states (LDOS), but also in the spatial form of the superconducting order parameter. We demonstrate that the signatures of quantum interference in the LDOS are qualitatively, and to a large extent quantitatively unaffected by the suppression of the superconducting order parameter near impurities, which illustrates the robustness of quantum interference phenomena. Moreover, we show that by changing the interimpurity distance, or the impurities' scattering strength, the s-wave superconductor can be tuned through a series of first order quantum phase transitions in which the spin polarization of its ground state changes. In contrast to the single impurity case, this transition is not necessarily accompanied by a $\pi$-phase shift of the order parameter, and can in certain cases even lead to its enhancement. Our results demonstrate that the superconductor's LDOS, its spin state, and the spatial form of the superconducting order parameter are determined by a subtle interplay between the relative positions of the impurities and their scattering strength.
Morr Dirk. K.
Yoon Jaesung
No associations
LandOfFree
Impurities, Quantum Interference and Quantum Phase Transitions in s-wave superconductors does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Impurities, Quantum Interference and Quantum Phase Transitions in s-wave superconductors, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Impurities, Quantum Interference and Quantum Phase Transitions in s-wave superconductors will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-387818