NbSi nanowire quantum phase-slip circuits: dc supercurrent blockade, microwave measurements, and thermal analysis

Webster, C.H., Fenton, J.C., Hongisto, T.T., Giblin, S.P., Zorin, A.B. and Warburton, P.A. (2013) NbSi nanowire quantum phase-slip circuits: dc supercurrent blockade, microwave measurements, and thermal analysis. Physical Review B, 87(14), 144510. (doi: 10.1103/PhysRevB.87.144510)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

We present a detailed report of microwave irradiation of ultranarrow superconducting nanowires. In our nanofabricated circuits containing a superconducting NbSi nanowire, a dc blockade of current flow was observed at low temperatures below a critical voltage V c , a strong indicator of the existence of quantum phase-slip (QPS) in the nanowire. We describe the results of applying microwaves to these samples, using a range of frequencies and both continuous-wave and pulsed drive, in order to search for dual Shapiro steps which would constitute an unambiguous demonstration of quantum phase-slip. We observed no steps, and our subsequent thermal analysis suggests that the electron temperature in the series CrO resistors was significantly elevated above the substrate temperature, resulting in sufficient Johnson noise to wash out the steps. To understand the system and inform future work, we have constructed a numerical model of the dynamics of the circuit for dc and ac bias (both continuous-wave and pulsed drive signals) in the presence of Johnson noise. Using this model, we outline important design considerations for device and measurement parameters which should be used in any future experiment to enable the observation of dual Shapiro steps at experimentally accessible temperatures and, thus, lead to the development of a QPS-based quantum current standard.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Quantum phase-slip, superconducting nanowires.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Webster, Dr Carol
Authors: Webster, C.H., Fenton, J.C., Hongisto, T.T., Giblin, S.P., Zorin, A.B., and Warburton, P.A.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Computing Science
Journal Name:Physical Review B
Publisher:American Physical Society
ISSN:1098-0121
ISSN (Online):1550-235X
Published Online:18 April 2013

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record