Physics – Condensed Matter – Superconductivity
Scientific paper
2008-06-26
Physics
Condensed Matter
Superconductivity
Scientific paper
10.1103/PhysRevB.78.024505
In high-quality nanowires, quantum confinement of the transverse electron motion splits the band of single-electron states in a series of subbands. This changes in a qualitative way the scenario of the magnetic-field induced superconductor-to-normal transition. We numerically solve the Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations for a clean metallic cylindrical nanowire at zero temperature in a parallel magnetic field and find that for diameters D < 10-15 nm, this transition occurs as a cascade of subsequent jumps in the order parameter (this is opposed to the smooth second-order phase transition in the mesoscopic regime). Each jump is associated with the depairing of electrons in one of the single-electron subbands. As a set of subbands contribute to the order parameter, the depairing process occurs as a cascade of jumps. We find pronounced quantum-size oscillations of the critical magnetic field with giant resonant enhancements. In addition to these orbital effects, the paramagnetic breakdown of Cooper pairing also contributes but only for smaller diameters, i. e., D < 5 nm.
Croitoru M. D.
Peeters François M.
Shanenko A. A.
No associations
LandOfFree
Magnetic-field induced quantum-size cascades in superconducting nanowires 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 Magnetic-field induced quantum-size cascades in superconducting nanowires, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Magnetic-field induced quantum-size cascades in superconducting nanowires will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-246754