Quantum tunneling between paramagnetic and superconducting states of a nanometer-scale superconducting grain placed in a magnetic field.

Journal Article · Fri Jan 31 00:00:00 EST 2003 · Phys. Rev. Lett.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.90.047003· OSTI ID:953416

Lopatin, A V; Vinokur, V M

We consider the process of quantum tunneling between the superconducting and paramagnetic states of a nanometer-scale superconducting grain placed in a magnetic field. The grain is supposed to be weakly coupled to a normal metallic contact that plays the role of the spin reservoir. Using the instanton method, we find the probability of the quantum tunneling process and express it in terms of the applied magnetic field, order parameter of the superconducting grain, and conductance of the tunneling junction between the grain and metallic contact.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC)
• DOE Contract Number: DE-AC02-06CH11357
• OSTI ID: 953416
• Report Number(s): ANL/MSD/JA-44814; PRLTAO; TRN: US0902756
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. Lett., Vol. 90, Issue Jan. 31, 2003; ISSN 0031-9007
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: ENGLISH

Related Subjects

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
INSTANTONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
ORDER PARAMETERS
PROBABILITY
SPIN
TUNNELING