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Title: Noise and superconducting transition in self-heated tunnel junctions

Journal Article · · J. Low Temp. Phys.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00685775· OSTI ID:5655955

Distinctive structure in the tunneling characteristics of junctions having a superconducting electrode arises at a bias V/sub 0/ where junction dissipation is sufficient to drive the electrode normal. While details of this structure are dependent upon junction-bath thermal linkage, in all cases a marked increase of junction conductance sigma(V) = dI/dV occurs at V/sub 0/ and this increase reflects an excess current at the superconducting-normal phase transition. In the case of Pb electrode junctions the transition in both normal and superfluid He occurs when junction dissipation triggers film boiling in the liquid. We discuss phase transition-induced tunneling structure, junction noise, and excess current for Pb electrode junctions in different thermal environments and consider the implications for tunneling spectroscopy and Josephson device applications.

Research Organization:
Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
OSTI ID:
5655955
Journal Information:
J. Low Temp. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 53:1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English