Flux-periodic oscillations in proximitized core-shell nanowires

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Mechanics

Background:

• Proximitized core-shell nanowires are promising for exploring exotic quantum phenomena.
• Superconducting properties are sensitive to geometry and external interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate flux-periodic oscillations of the superconducting gap in various nanowire geometries.
• To analyze the influence of Zeeman and Rashba spin-orbit interactions on these oscillations.
• To understand the transition between different periodicities (h/e and h/2e).

Main Methods:

• Theoretical exploration of energy spectra in cylindrical, hexagonal, and square cross-section nanowires.
• Analysis of flux-periodic oscillations under varying chemical potentials.
• Examination of angular momentum degeneracy and its relation to periodicity.

Main Results:

• Flux-periodic oscillations of the superconducting gap were observed.
• A transition between h/e and h/2e periodicity was identified, dependent on chemical potential.
• Square nanowires showed unique h/e periodicity related to excited states.

Conclusions:

• Nanowire geometry and chemical potential are critical factors in determining superconducting gap oscillations.
• The findings provide a deeper understanding of quantum effects in proximitized nanowires.
• This research contributes to the development of novel superconducting devices.