Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026
10:26
Fabrication and Characterization of Superconducting Resonators
Published on: May 21, 2016
11.9K
Proximity-Induced Superconductivity in CdTe-HgTe Core-Shell Nanowires
Jan Hajer1, Maximilian Kessel1, Christoph Brüne1
1Institute for Topological Insulators and Physikalisches Institut (EP3) , Universität Würzburg , Am Hubland , DE-97074 Würzburg , Germany.
Nano Letters
|May 24, 2019
Summary
We induced proximity superconductivity in topological insulator nanowires using CdTe-HgTe core-shell structures. Josephson supercurrent measurements confirm high-quality interfaces, enabling advanced electronic applications.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Topological insulators (TIs) possess unique electronic properties.
- HgTe is a well-studied TI material.
- Core-shell nanowires offer novel heterostructures for exploring quantum phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate proximity superconductivity in CdTe-HgTe core-shell nanowires.
- To assess the interface quality for potential electronic applications.
- To demonstrate Josephson supercurrent transport in a quasi-one-dimensional TI system.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of CdTe-HgTe core-shell nanowires.
- Contacting nanowires with superconducting Aluminum (Al) leads.
- Measurement of Josephson supercurrent and related phenomena (e.g., Andreev reflections).
Main Results:
- Successful induction of proximity superconductivity in the HgTe topological insulator core.
- Demonstration of Josephson supercurrent flow through the nanowires.
- Observation of a significant critical current-resistance product (IcRn).
- Detection of positive excess current and multiple Andreev reflections up to fourth order, indicating high interface quality.
Conclusions:
- CdTe-HgTe core-shell nanowires are viable platforms for inducing and studying proximity superconductivity.
- The high interface quality is crucial for observing robust superconducting effects.
- These findings pave the way for novel superconducting devices based on topological insulators.
Related Concept Videos
02:10The Nucleosome Core Particle
14.1K
Nucleosomes are the DNA-histone complex, where the DNA strand is wound around the histone core. The histone core is an octamer containing two copies of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone proteins.
The paradox
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their main responsibility is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. While on the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access DNA...
The paradox
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their main responsibility is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. While on the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access DNA...
14.1K
01:12The Nucleosome Core Particle
2.2K
Nucleosomes are the DNA-histone complex, where the DNA strand is wound around the histone core. The histone core is an octamer containing two copies of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone proteins.
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their primary aim is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. On the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access histone-bound DNA during...
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their primary aim is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. On the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access histone-bound DNA during...
2.2K
01:22Factors Influencing Attraction I: Proximity
254
Proximity plays a fundamental role in shaping interpersonal attraction by increasing opportunities for interaction and fostering familiarity. Research consistently demonstrates that individuals are more likely to form social bonds with those who are physically closer to them, whether in residential settings, workplaces, or educational institutions. This effect is largely driven by the increased frequency of encounters, which facilitates the development of friendships and romantic...
254
01:13Induced-fit Model
89.0K
Most chemical reactions in cells require enzymes—biological catalysts that speed up the reaction without being consumed or permanently changed. They reduce the activation energy needed to convert the reactants into products. Enzymes are proteins, that usually work by binding to a substrate—a reactant molecule that they act upon.
Enzymes exhibit substrate specificity, meaning that they can only bind to certain substrates. This is mainly determined by the shape and chemical...
Enzymes exhibit substrate specificity, meaning that they can only bind to certain substrates. This is mainly determined by the shape and chemical...
89.0K
01:13Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
27.3K
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different types of cells. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are post-mitotic—that is, they no longer divide. However, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they “de-differentiate” and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are also pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are therefore...
27.3K
01:30Spontaneous and Induced Mutations
2.1K
Spontaneous mutations arise infrequently during DNA replication due to errors in the process. A key factor behind these errors is tautomeric shifts in nitrogenous bases, where bases transition from keto to enol forms or amino to imino forms. This shift can alter base-pairing rules, leading to mutations. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) arising from aerobic metabolism can damage DNA, resulting in depurination (loss of a purine base) or depyrimidination (loss of a pyrimidine base).
2.1K