Phase tuning of multiple Andreev reflections of Dirac fermions and the Josephson supercurrent in Al-MoTe₂-Al junctions.

ABSTRACT: When an electron is incident on a superconductor from a metal, it is reflected as a hole in a process called Andreev reflection. If the metal N is sandwiched between two superconductors S in an SNS junction, multiple Andreev reflections (MARs) occur. We have found that, in SNS junctions with high transparency ([Formula: see text]) based on the Dirac semimetal MoTe₂, the MAR features are observed with exceptional resolution. By tuning the phase difference [Formula: see text] between the bracketing Al superconductors, we establish that the MARs coexist with a Josephson supercurrent [Formula: see text]. As we vary the junction voltage V, the supercurrent amplitude [Formula: see text] varies in step with the MAR order n, revealing a direct relation between them. Two successive Andreev reflections serve to shuttle a Cooper pair across the junction. If the pair is shuttled coherently, it contributes to [Formula: see text]. The experiment measures the fraction of pairs shuttled coherently vs. V. Surprisingly, superconductivity in MoTe₂ does not affect the MAR features.

SUBMITTER: Zhu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9282224 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature