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Optical detection of the superconducting proximity effect

Book ·
OSTI ID:538204
The authors present the first detection of a superconducting proximity effect by optical techniques. Raman scattering on n{sup +}-InAs is performed through very thin, high-quality, superconducting Nb films grown directly on the (100) InAs surface. The 6 to 10 nm thick Nb films exhibit {Tc}`s of 2.5 to 5.5 K, as measured by electronic transport, and are flat to {approximately}0.5 nm, as measured by x-ray reflectivity. As the Nb/InAs structure is cooled below the superconducting transition temperature, the magnitude of the unscreened LO phonon mode, associated with the surface charge accumulation layer in the InAs, is observed to be enhanced by more than 40%. This reversible change is observed only when the Nb is in good electrical contact with the InAs.
Sponsoring Organization:
National Science Foundation, Washington, DC (United States); Office of Naval Research, Washington, DC (United States); Fannie and John Hertz Foundation (United States); USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-91ER45439
OSTI ID:
538204
Report Number(s):
CONF-960163--; ISBN 0-8194-2070-0
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English