Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2025
08:07
Ultrahigh Density Array of Vertically Aligned Small-molecular Organic Nanowires on Arbitrary Substrates
Published on: June 18, 2013
15.2K
Andreev Molecule in Parallel InAs Nanowires.
Olivér Kürtössy1, Zoltán Scherübl1,2, Gergö Fülöp1
1Department of Physics and Nanoelectronics "Momentum" Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budafoki út 8, 1111 Budapest, Hungary.
Nano Letters
|September 20, 2021
Summary
Researchers created an "Andreev molecule" by coupling two artificial atoms via a superconducting vacuum. This groundbreaking work explores exotic quantum states and hybridization for the first time.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Coupling atoms delocalizes electrons, transforming insulators to metals.
- Superconducting vacuum enables exotic states like Majorana and parafermions.
- Hybridization of two individually tunable sites in a superconductor remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create and investigate an Andreev molecule by hybridizing two artificial atoms.
- To explore the unique properties of the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) condensate vacuum.
- To study the spectrum of an Andreev molecule as a function of its constituent atom's energy levels.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of parallel nanowires with an aluminum shell to create artificial atoms.
- Establishing an epitaxial superconducting link between the artificial atoms.
- Utilizing the BCS condensate vacuum for hybridization.
Main Results:
- Successful creation of two artificial atoms at a minimal distance with a superconducting link.
- Observation of hybridization via the BCS vacuum.
- First-ever exploration of the Andreev molecule spectrum concerning level positions.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated a novel method for creating and studying hybridized artificial atoms (Andreev molecules).
- Opened new avenues for exploring exotic quantum phenomena and topologically protected excitations.
- Provided a new platform for fundamental research in condensed matter physics and quantum information.
