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arXiv2013

Probing Correlations, Indistinguishability and Entanglement in Microwave Two-Photon Interference

Interference at a beam splitter reveals both classical and quantum properties of electromagnetic radiation. When two indistinguishable single photons impinge at the two inputs of a beam splitter they coalesce into a pair of photons appearing in either one of its two outputs. This effect is due to the bosonic nature of photons and was first experimentally observed by Hong, Ou, and Mandel (HOM) [1]. Here, we present the observation of the HOM effect with two independent single-photon sources in the microwave frequency domain. We probe the indistinguishability of single photons, created with a controllable delay, in time-resolved second-order cross- and auto-correlation function measurements. Using quadrature amplitude detection we are able to resolve different photon numbers and detect coherence in and between the output arms. This measurement scheme allows us to observe the HOM effect and, in addition, to fully characterize the two-mode entanglement of the spatially separated beam splitter output modes. Our experiments constitute a first step towards using two-photon interference at microwave frequencies for quantum communication and information processing, e.g. for distributing entanglement between nodes of a quantum network [2, 3] and for linear optics quantum computation [4, 5].

quant-ph↗

arXiv2013

Change of pairing symmetry in the iron-based superconductor KFe2As2

The pairing mechanism in iron-based superconductors is the subject of ongoing debate. Proximity to an antiferromagnetic phase suggests that pairing is mediated by spin fluctuations, but orbital fluctuations have also been invoked. The former typically favour a pairing state of extended s-wave symmetry with a gap that changes sign between electron and hole Fermi surfaces (s+-), while the latter yield a standard s-wave state without sign change (s++). Here we show that applying pressure to KFe2As2 induces a change of pairing state. The critical temperature Tc decreases with pressure initially, and then suddenly increases, above a critical pressure Pc. The constancy of the Hall coefficient through Pc rules out a change in the Fermi surface. There is compelling evidence that the pairing state below Pc is d-wave, from bulk measurements at ambient pressure. Above Pc, the high sensitivity to disorder argues for a particular kind of s+- state. The change from d-wave to s-wave is likely to proceed via an unusual s + id state that breaks time-reversal symmetry. The proximity of two distinct pairing states found here experimentally is natural given the near degeneracy of d-wave and s+- states found theoretically. These findings make a compelling case for spin-fluctuation-mediated superconductivity in this key iron-arsenide material.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

Pseudogap state from quantum criticality

Upon application of an external tuning parameter, a magnetic state can be driven to a normal metal state at zero temperature. This phenomenon is known as quantum criticality and leads to fascinating responses in thermodynamics and transport of the compound. In the standard picture, a single quantum critical point occurs at zero temperature, which results in a nontrivial critical behaviour in its vicinity. Here we show that in two dimensions the scenario is considerably more complex due to the enormous amount of quantum fluctuations. Instead of the single point separating the antiferromagnet from the normal metal, we have discovered a broad region between these two phases where the magnetic order is destroyed but certain areas of the Fermi surface are closed by a large gap. This gap reflects the formation of a novel quantum state characterised by a superposition of d-wave superconductivity and a quadrupole-density wave, id est a state in which an electron quadrupole density spatially oscillates with a period drastically different from the one of the original spin-density wave. At moderate temperatures both orders co-exist at short distances but thermal fluctuations destroy the long-range order. Below a critical temperature the fluctuations are less essential and superconductivity becomes stable. This new phenomenon may shed some light on the origin of the mysterious pseudogap state and of the high-temperature transition into the superconducting state in cuprates. Our results demonstrate that quantum phase transitions between antiferromagnets and normal metals in layered materials may be the proper playground for search of new high temperature superconductors.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2013

Visualizing Nodal Heavy Fermion Superconductivity in CeCoIn5

Understanding the origin of superconductivity in strongly correlated electron systems continues to be at the forefront of unsolved problems in all of physics. Among the heavy f-electron systems, CeCoIn5 is one of the most fascinating, as it shares many of the characteristics of correlated d-electron high-Tc cuprate and pnictide superconductors, including the competition between antiferromagnetism and superconductivity. While there has been evidence for unconventional pairing in this compound, high-resolution spectroscopic measurements of the superconducting state have been lacking. Previously, we have used high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy techniques to visualize the emergence of heavy-fermion excitations in CeCoIn5 and demonstrate the composite nature of these excitations well above Tc. Here we extend these techniques to much lower temperatures to investigate how superconductivity develops within a strongly correlated band of composite excitations. We find the spectrum of heavy excitations to be strongly modified just prior to the onset of superconductivity by a suppression of the spectral weight near the Fermi energy, reminiscent of the pseudogap state in the cuprates. By measuring the response of superconductivity to various perturbations, through both quasiparticle interference and local pair-breaking experiments, we demonstrate the nodal d-wave character of superconducting pairing in CeCoIn5.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

Quantum Materials: Shape Resonances in Superstripes

The significance of stripes in certain high-temperature superconductors has been hotly debated for decades. Now a consensus is emerging that there may, in fact, be two networks of different stripes in which shape resonances play a key role in the superconductivity.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2018

Quantum-enhanced magnetometry by phase estimation algorithms with a single artificial atom

Phase estimation algorithms are key protocols in quantum information processing. Besides applications in quantum computing, they can also be employed in metrology as they allow for fast extraction of information stored in the quantum state of a system. Here, we implement two suitably modified phase estimation procedures, the Kitaev- and the semiclassical Fourier-transform algorithms, using an artificial atom realized with a superconducting transmon circuit. We demonstrate that both algorithms yield a flux sensitivity exceeding the classical shot-noise limit of the device, allowing one to approach the Heisenberg limit. Our experiment paves the way for the use of superconducting qubits as metrological devices which are potentially able to outperform the best existing flux sensors with a sensitivity enhanced by few orders of magnitude.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2013

Superconductivity in Topological Insulator Sb2Te3 Induced by Pressure

Topological superconductivity is one of most fascinating properties of topological quantum matters that was theoretically proposed and can support Majorana Fermions at the edge state. Superconductivity was previously realized in a Cu-intercalated Bi2Se3 topological compound or a Bi2Te3 topological compound at high pressure. Here we report the discovery of superconductivity in the topological compound Sb2Te3 when pressure was applied. The crystal structure analysis results reveal that superconductivity at a low-pressure range occurs at the ambient phase. The Hall coefficient measurements indicate the change of p-type carriers at a low-pressure range within the ambient phase, into n-type at higher pressures, showing intimate relation to superconducting transition temperature. The first principle calculations based on experimental measurements of the crystal lattice show that Sb2Te3 retains its Dirac surface states within the low-pressure ambient phase where superconductivity was observed, which indicates a strong relationship between superconductivity and topology nature.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2013

Oxypnictide SmFeAs(O,F) superconductor: a candidate for high-field magnet applications

The recently discovered oxypnictide superconductor SmFeAs(O,F) is the most attractive material among the Fe-based superconductors due to its highest transition temperature of 56 K and potential for high-field performance. In order to exploit this new material for superconducting applications, the knowledge and understanding of its electro-magnetic properties are needed. Recent success in fabricating epitaxial SmFeAs(O,F) thin films opens a great opportunity to explore their transport properties. Here we report on a high critical current density of over 10^5 A/cm^2 at 45 T and 4.2 K for both main field orientations, feature favourable for high-field magnet applications. Additionally, by investigating the pinning properties, we observed a dimensional crossover between the superconducting coherence length and the FeAs interlayer distance at 30-40 K, indicative of a possible intrinsic Josephson junction in SmFeAs(O,F) at low temperatures that can be employed in electronics applications such as a terahertz radiation source and a superconducting Qubit.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

Crystal, magnetic, and electronic structures, and properties of new BaMnPnF (Pn = As, Sb, Bi)

New fluoropnictides BaMnPnF with Pn = As, Sb, Bi, are synthesized by stoichiometric reaction of elements with BaF\_2. The compounds crystallize in the tetragonal P4/nmm (No. 129, Z = 2) space group, with the ZrCuSiAs-type structure, as indicated by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction results. Electrical resistivity results indicate that Pn = As, Sb, and Bi are semiconductors with band gaps of E\_g = 0.73 eV, E\_g = 0.48 eV and E\_g = 0.003 eV, respectively. Powder neutron diffraction reveals a G-type antiferromagnetic order below T\_N = 338(1) K for Pn = As, and below T\_N = 272(1) K for Pn = Sb. Magnetic susceptibility increases with temperature above 100 K for all the materials. Density functional calculations also find semiconducting antiferromagnetic compounds with strong in-plane and weaker out-of-plane exchange coupling that may result in non-Curie Weiss behavior above T\_N. There is strong covalency between Mn and pnictogen elements. The ordered magnetic moments are 3.65(5) μB/Mn for Pn = As, and 3.66(3) μB/Mn for Pn = Sb at 4 K, as refined from neutron diffraction experiments.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2013

Anomalous switching in Nb/Ru/Sr2RuO4 topological junctions by chiral domain wall motion

A spontaneous symmetry breaking in a system often results in domain wall formation. The motion of such domain walls is utilized to realize novel devices like racetrack-memories, in which moving ferromagnetic domain walls store and carry information. Superconductors breaking time reversal symmetry can also form domains with degenerate chirality of their superconducting order parameter. Sr2RuO4 is the leading candidate of a chiral p-wave superconductor, expected to be accompanied by chiral domain structure. Here, we present that Nb/Ru/Sr2RuO4 topological superconducting-junctions, with which the phase winding of order parameter can be effectively probed by making use of real-space topology, exhibit unusual switching between higher and lower critical current states. This switching is well explained by chiral-domain-wall dynamics. The switching can be partly controlled by external parameters such as temperature, magnetic field and current. These results open up a possibility to utilize the superconducting chiral domain wall motion for future novel superconducting devices.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

In-plane electronic confinement in superconducting LaAlO$_3$/SrTiO$_3$ nanostructures

We describe the transport properties of mesoscopic devices based on the two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) present at the LaAlO$_3$/SrTiO$_3$ interface. Bridges with lateral dimensions down to 500~nm were realized using electron beam lithography. Their detailed characterization shows that processing and confinement do not alter the transport parameters of the 2DEG. The devices exhibit superconducting behavior tunable by electric field effect. In the normal state, we measured universal conductance fluctuations, signature of phase-coherent transport in small structures. The achievement of reliable lateral confinement of the 2DEG opens the way to the realization of quantum electronic devices at the LaAlO$_3$/SrTiO$_3$ interface.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2012

Optimisation of NbN thin films on GaAs substrates for in-situ single photon detection in structured photonic devices

We prepare NbN thin films by DC magnetron sputtering on [100] GaAs substrates, optimise their quality and demonstrate their use for efficient single photon detection in the near-infrared. The interrelation between the Nb:N content, growth temperature and crystal quality is established for 4-22nm thick films. Optimised films exhibit a superconducting critical temperature of 12.6\pm0.2K for a film thickness of 22\pm0.5nm and 10.2\pm0.2K for 4\pm0.5nm thick films. The optimum growth temperature is shown to be ~475°C reflecting a trade-off between enhanced surface diffusion, which improves the crystal quality, and arsenic evaporation from the GaAs substrate. Analysis of the elemental composition of the films provides strong evidence that the δ-phase of NbN is formed in optimised samples, controlled primarily via the nitrogen partial pressure during growth. By patterning optimum 4nm and 22nm thick films into a 100nm wide, 369μm long nanowire meander using electron beam lithography and reactive ion etching, we fabricated single photon detectors on GaAs substrates. Time-resolved studies of the photo-response, absolute detection efficiency and dark count rates of these detectors as a function of the bias current reveal maximum single photon detection efficiencies as high as 21\pm2% at 4.3\pm0.1K with ~50k dark counts per second for bias currents of 98%Ic at a wavelength of 950nm. As expected, similar detectors fabricated from 22nm thick films exhibit much lower efficiencies (0.004%) with very low dark count rates <=3cps. The maximum lateral extension of a photo-generated hotspot is estimated to be 30\pm8nm, clearly identifying the low detection efficiency and dark count rate of the thick film detectors as arising from hotspot cooling via the heat reservoir provided by the NbN film.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

Superconductor/ferromagnet heterostructures exhibit potential for significant reduction of hysteretic losses

First experimental observations of the ferromagnetic shielding effect in high-Tc superconducting coated conductors were carried out. Experimental results were compared to simulations calling upon finite-element calculations based on the H-formulation of Maxwell equations to model superconducting strips with ferromagnetic shields. Samples of copper-stabilized coated conductors were electroplated with nickel shields and afterwards characterized. Both externally applied oscillating transverse magnetic fields as well as transport currents were studied. Having observed promising gains with respect to the reduction of ac losses in both cases, we further investigated the potential of ferromagnetic shielding. The numerical model was able to reproduce and also predict experimental results very well and will serve as an indispensable tool to determine the potential of soft ferromagnetic materials to significantly reduce hysteretic losses.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

Enhancement of pinning properties of superconducting thin films by graded pinning landscapes

A graded distribution of pinning centers (antidots) in superconducting MoGe thin films has been investigated by magnetization and magneto-optical imaging. The pinning landscape has maximum density at the border, decreasing progressively towards the center. At high temperatures and low fields, where this landscape mimics the vortex distribution predicted by the Bean model, an increase of the critical current is observed. At low temperatures and fields, the superconducting performance of the non-uniform sample is also improved due to suppression of thermomagnetic avalanches. These findings emphasize the relevance of non-uniform pinning landscapes, so far experimentally unexplored, on the enhancement of pinning efficiency.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

Reentrant Superconductivity and Superconducting Critical Temperature Oscillations in F/S/F trilayers of Cu41Ni59/Nb/Cu41Ni59 Grown on Cobalt Oxide

Ferromagnet/Superconductor/Ferromagnet (F/S/F) trilayers constitute the core of a superconducting spin valve. The switching effect of the spin valve is based on interference phenomena occurring due to the proximity effect at the S/F interfaces. A remarkable effect is only expected if the core structure exhibits strong critical temperature oscillations, or most favorable, reentrant superconductivity, when the thickness of the ferromagnetic layer is increased. The core structure has to be grown on an antiferromagnetic oxide layer (or such layer to be placed on top) to pin by exchange bias the magnetization-orientation of one of the ferromagnetic layers. In the present paper we demonstrate that this is possible, keeping the superconducting behavior of the core structure undisturbed.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

Improved superconducting qubit coherence using titanium nitride

We demonstrate enhanced relaxation and dephasing times of transmon qubits, up to ~ 60 μs by fabricating the interdigitated shunting capacitors using titanium nitride (TiN). Compared to lift-off aluminum deposited simultaneously with the Josephson junction, this represents as much as a six-fold improvement and provides evidence that previous planar transmon coherence times are limited by surface losses from two-level system (TLS) defects residing at or near interfaces. Concurrently, we observe an anomalous temperature dependent frequency shift of TiN resonators which is inconsistent with the predicted TLS model.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2013

Attenuation of superconductivity in manganite/cuprate heterostructures by epitaxially-induced CuO intergrowths

We examine the effect of CuO intergrowths on the superconductivity in epitaxial La_{2/3}Ca_{1/3}MnO_3/YBa_2Cu_3O_{7-δ} (LCMO/YBCO) thin-film heterostructures. Scanning transmission electron microscopy on bilayer LCMO/YBCO thin films revealed double CuO-chain intergrowths which form regions with the 247 lattice structure in the YBCO layer. These nanoscale 247 regions do not appear in x-ray diffraction, but can physically account for the reduced critical temperature Tc of bilayer thin films relative to unilayer films with the same YBCO thickness, at least down to ~25 nm. We attribute the CuO intergrowths to the bilayer heteroepitaxial mismatch and the Tc reduction to the generally lower Tc seen in bulk 247 samples. These epitaxially-induced CuO intergrowths provide a microstructural mechanism for the attenuation of superconductivity in LCMO/YBCO heterostructures.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

Surface transport properties of Fe-based superconductors: The influence of degradation and inhomogeneity

Surface properties of Co-doped BaFe2As2 epitaxial superconducting thin films were inspected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM), and point contact spectroscopy (PCS). It has been shown that surface of Fe-based superconductors degrades rapidly if being exposed to air, what results in suppression of gap-like structure on PCS spectra. Moreover, SSRM measurements revealed inhomogeneous surface conductivity, what is consistent with strong dependence of PCS spectra on contact position. Presented results suggest that fresh surface and small probing area should be assured for surface sensitive measurements like PCS to obtain intrinsic properties of Fe-based superconductors.

cond-mat.supr-con↗