0−π Josephson tunnel junctions with ferromagnetic barrier

Weides, M. , Kemmler, M., Kohlstedt, H., Waser, R., Koelle, D., Kleiner, R. and Goldobin, E. (2006) 0−π Josephson tunnel junctions with ferromagnetic barrier. Physical Review Letters, 97(24), 247001. (doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.247001)

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Abstract

We fabricated high quality Nb / Al 2 O 3 / Ni 0.6 Cu 0.4 / Nb superconductor-insulator-ferromagnet-superconductor Josephson tunnel junctions. Using a ferromagnetic layer with a steplike thickness, we obtain a 0 − π junction, with equal lengths and critical currents of 0 and π parts. The ground state of our 330     μ m ( 1.3 λ J ) long junction corresponds to a spontaneous vortex of supercurrent pinned at the 0 − π step and carrying ∼ 6.7 % of the magnetic flux quantum Φ 0 . The dependence of the critical current on the applied magnetic field shows a clear minimum in the vicinity of zero field.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Weides, Professor Martin
Authors: Weides, M., Kemmler, M., Kohlstedt, H., Waser, R., Koelle, D., Kleiner, R., and Goldobin, E.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
Journal Name:Physical Review Letters
Publisher:American Physical Society
ISSN:0031-9007
ISSN (Online):1079-7114
Published Online:11 December 2006

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