Local current injection into mesoscopic superconductors for the manipulation of quantum states

Abstract

We perform strategic current injection in a small mesoscopic superconductor and control the (non)equilibrium quantum states in an applied homogeneous magnetic field. In doing so, we realize a current-driven splitting of multi-quanta vortices, current-induced transitions between states with different angular momenta, and current-controlled switching between otherwise degenerate quantum states. These fundamental phenomena form the basis for discussed electronic and logic applications, and are confirmed in both theoretical simulations and multiple-small-tunnel-junction transport measurements.

To appear in Physical Review Letters