Influence of photon-assisted tunneling on heat flow in a normal metal - superconductor tunnel junction

TL;DR

This paper theoretically examines how an AC drive affects heat transport in a normal metal-superconductor tunnel junction, revealing that heat flux is reduced under photon-assisted tunneling, impacting superconducting refrigeration.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical analysis of photon-assisted tunneling effects on heat flow in hybrid junctions, aiding the design of AC-driven superconducting refrigerators.

Findings

Heat flux decreases with AC drive compared to static conditions.

Photon-assisted tunneling reduces heat transfer efficiency.

Results inform optimal operation of AC-driven superconducting devices.

Abstract

We have investigated theoretically the influence of an AC drive on heat transport in a hybrid normal metal - superconductor tunnel junction in the photon-assisted tunneling regime. We find that the useful heat flux out from the normal metal is always reduced as compared to its magnitude under the static and quasi-static drive conditions. Our results are useful to predict the operative conditions of AC driven superconducting electron refrigerators.