Josephson-current induced conformational switching of a molecular quantum dot

Abstract

We discuss the behavior of a two-level system coupled to a quantum dot contacted by superconducting source/drain electrodes, representing a simple model for the conformational degree of freedom of a molecular dot or a break junction. The Josephson current is shown to induce conformational changes, including a complete reversal. For small bias voltage, periodic conformational motions induced by Landau-Zener transitions between Andreev states are predicted.

4 pages, 2 figures, accepted to PRL