Threshold instability and inhomogeneous states in nonequilibrium superconductors with optical and tunnel quasiparticle pumping
A theory of the threshold instability in nonequilibrium superconductors with narrow quasiparticle sources (the electromagnetic field frequency, ..omega.., and the voltage, V, across the junction satisfy the condition ..omega..-2..delta..very-much-less-than..delta.., V-2..delta..very-much-less-than..delta..) that was predicted in an earlier paper by the present author (Sov. Phys. JETP 39, 862 (1974)) is developed. It is shown that, as a result of the development of the instability, a transition into an inhomogeneous state, which comprises regions with different finite (nonzero) order parameter values, is possible. The individual regions are separated by transition layers of width of the order of the quasiparticle diffusion length. In the case of a fixed voltage, V, across the junction (or of a given electromagnetic-field frequency ..omega..), the inhomogeneous state is nonstationary. When the current through the junction is fixed (for a given level of absorption), the inhomogeneous state becomes stationary since the relative phase volume is fixed by the current. A broad range of experimental phenomena are well described by the theory.
- Research Organization:
- Moscow Engineering Physics Institute
- OSTI ID:
- 5696103
- Journal Information:
- Sov. Phys. - JETP (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Sov. Phys. - JETP (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 49:6; ISSN SPHJA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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