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Phase-Biased Andreev Diffraction Grating
Magnus R Lykkegaard1, Anders Enevold Dahl1, Tyler Lindemann2,3
1University of Copenhagen, Niels Bohr Institute, Center for Quantum Devices, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Physical Review Letters
|August 27, 2025
Summary
Researchers created a superconductor-semiconductor circuit mimicking optical diffraction using multiple Andreev scatterers. This novel approach allows for tunable phase differences, opening new avenues in quantum device research.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Optics
- Superconducting Circuits
Background:
- Optical diffraction patterns arise from phase differences between wave sources, a phenomenon typically observed with gratings or multislit masks.
- Superconductor-semiconductor hybrid circuits offer a platform for exploring quantum phenomena like Andreev scattering.
- Controlling phase differences is crucial for manipulating wave interference and diffraction patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally realize an analog of optical diffraction in a superconductor-semiconductor hybrid circuit.
- To investigate the phenomenon of multiple Andreev scattering from arrays of parallel scatterers.
- To explore methods for controlling phase differences between scatterers in such a circuit.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of superconductor-semiconductor hybrid circuits with multiple parallel Andreev scatterers.
- Utilizing a remote superconducting meander to set phase differences between scatterers.
- Experimental investigation of local and nonlocal diffraction patterns generated by these arrays.
- Comparison of experimental results with theoretical models of multiple Andreev scattering.
Main Results:
- Successful realization of diffraction patterns analogous to optical diffraction in the superconductor-semiconductor system.
- Observation of distinct diffraction patterns for arrays with varying numbers of Andreev scatterers (2, 3, 4, and 10).
- Experimental findings show good agreement with the developed theory of multiple Andreev scattering.
- Demonstration of individual phase control over scatterers by incorporating current-carrying taps.
Conclusions:
- Multiple Andreev scattering in superconductor-semiconductor circuits can replicate optical diffraction phenomena.
- The phase differences, controlled by a superconducting meander, dictate the resulting diffraction patterns.
- The ability to individually control scatterer phases offers potential for advanced quantum device design and manipulation.
