Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
05:39
Scalable Quantum Integrated Circuits on Superconducting Two-Dimensional Electron Gas Platform
Published on: August 2, 2019
Quantum phase slips in superconducting wires with weak inhomogeneities
Mihajlo Vanević1, Yuli V Nazarov
1Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands.
Physical Review Letters
|June 12, 2012
Summary
This study estimates quantum phase slip amplitude in superconducting wires with weak inhomogeneities. Findings reveal topological action dominates phase slip amplitude, suggesting natural occurrence in wires.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
Background:
- Quantum phase slips are typically studied in homogeneous diffusive superconducting wires.
- Understanding phase slip behavior in inhomogeneous systems is crucial for quantum device applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a definite estimate for the amplitude of quantum phase slips occurring at a weak inhomogeneity in a superconducting wire.
- To investigate the role of local resistivity increases and topological action in phase slip phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Modeling a weak link as a general coherent conductor.
- Analyzing the topological part of the action governing phase slip amplitude.
Main Results:
- The amplitude of quantum phase slips at a weak inhomogeneity is dominated by the topological part of the action.
- Weak links, leading to localized phase slips, can occur naturally in apparently homogeneous superconducting wires.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a method to estimate quantum phase slip amplitude in inhomogeneous superconducting wires.
- Fabricating artificial weak links could enable better control over phase slip amplitude for quantum technologies.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Magnetic Field Due To A Thin Straight Wire
Consider an infinitely long straight wire carrying a current I. The magnetic field at point P at a distance a from the origin can be calculated using the Biot-Savart law.
01:18Magnetic Field Due to Two Straight Wires
Consider two parallel straight wires carrying a current of 10 A and 20 A in the same direction and separated by a distance of 20 cm. Calculate the magnetic field at a point "P2", midway between the wires. Also, evaluate the magnetic field when the direction of the current is reversed in the second wire.
01:28Types Of Superconductors
A superconductor is a substance that offers zero resistance to the electric current when it drops below a critical temperature. Zero resistance is not the only interesting phenomenon as materials reach their transition temperatures. A second effect is the exclusion of magnetic fields. This is known as the Meissner effect. A light, permanent magnet placed over a superconducting sample will levitate in a stable position above the superconductor. High-speed trains that levitate on strong...
01:22Magnetic Force On Current-Carrying Wires: Example
In a magnetic field, moving charges encounter a force. If a wire contains these moving charges, i.e., if the wire is carrying a current, then a force acts on the wire as well. Consider a pair of flexible leads holding a wire that is 40 cm long and 10 g in weight in a horizontal position. The wire is placed in a constant magnetic field of 0.40 T, as shown in Figure 1(a). Determine the magnitude and direction of the current flowing in the wire needed to remove the tension in the supporting leads.
01:23Magnetic Field due to Moving Charges
A stationary charge creates and interacts with the electric field, while a moving charge creates a magnetic field.
Consider a point charge moving with a constant velocity. Like the electric field, the magnetic field at any point is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charge and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the source point and the field point. However, unlike the electric field, the magnetic field is always perpendicular to the plane containing the line...
Consider a point charge moving with a constant velocity. Like the electric field, the magnetic field at any point is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charge and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the source point and the field point. However, unlike the electric field, the magnetic field is always perpendicular to the plane containing the line...
02:31Phase Transitions
Whether solid, liquid, or gas, a substance's state depends on the order and arrangement of its particles (atoms, molecules, or ions). Particles in the solid pack closely together, generally in a pattern. The particles vibrate about their fixed positions but do not move or squeeze past their neighbors. In liquids, although the particles are closely spaced, they are randomly arranged. The position of the particles are not fixed—that is, they are free to move past their neighbors to occupy...