Fano effect in a Josephson junction with a quantum dot

TL;DR

This paper theoretically explores how the Fano effect influences the Josephson current in a double-path junction with a quantum dot, revealing asymmetric resonances and 0-$ ext{pi}$ transitions driven by interference and Coulomb interactions.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical model showing the interplay of Fano interference and Coulomb interaction causes asymmetric resonance and sign change in Josephson current.

Findings

Josephson critical current exhibits asymmetric resonance against QD energy level.

Sign change in critical current occurs around the resonance with strong Coulomb interaction.

0-$ ext{pi}$ transition is induced by the combined effects of Fano interference and Coulomb interaction.

Abstract

We theoretically investigate the Fano effect in dc Josephson current at the absolute zero of temperature. The system under consideration is a double-path Josephson junction in which one path is through an insulating barrier and the other one is through a quantum dot (QD). Here the Kondo temperature is assumed to be much smaller than the superconducting gap, and the Coulomb interaction inside the QD is treated by the Hartree-Fock approximation. It is shown that the Josephson critical current exhibits an asymmetric resonance against the QD energy level. This behavior is caused by the interference between the two tunneling processes between the superconductors; the direct tunneling across the insulating barrier and the resonant one through the QD. Moreover, we find that the Josephson critical current changes its sign around the resonance when the Coulomb interaction is sufficiently strong. Our results suggest that 0-$\pi$ transition is induced by the cooperation of the Fano effect and the Coulomb interaction inside the QD.