Preprint

FZJ-2024-01337

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Quantum size effects in ultra-thin YBa2Cu3O7-x films

Lyatti, M. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Gundareva, I.FZJ* ; Röper, T.FZJ* ; Popovic, Z. ; Jalil, A. R.FZJ* ; Grützmacher, D.FZJ* ; Schäpers, T.FZJ*

2023

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.34734/FZJ-2024-01337

Abstract: The d-wave symmetry of the order parameter with zero energy gap in nodal directions stands in the way of using high-temperature superconductors for quantum applications. We investigate the symmetry of the order parameter in ultra-thin YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) films by measuring the electrical transport properties of nanowires and nanoconstrictions aligned at different angles relative to the main crystallographic axes. The anisotropy of the nanowire critical current in the nodal and antinodal directions reduces with the decrease in the film thickness. The Andreev reflection spectroscopy shows the presence of a thickness-dependent energy gap that doesn't exist in bulk YBCO. We find that the thickness-dependent energy gap appears due to the quantum size effects in ultra-thin YBCO films that open the superconducting energy gap along the entire Fermi surface. The fully gapped state of the ultra-thin YBCO films makes them a very promising platform for quantum applications, including quantum computing and quantum communications.

Keyword(s): Basic research (1st) ; Condensed Matter Physics (2nd)

Note: Supplementary Information is updated

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Halbleiter-Nanoelektronik (PGI-9)
2. JARA Institut Green IT (PGI-10)

Research Program(s):

1. 5222 - Exploratory Qubits (POF4-522) (POF4-522)
2. DFG project 390534769 - EXC 2004: Materie und Licht für Quanteninformation (ML4Q) (390534769) (390534769)

Appears in the scientific report 2023

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