The parity of specular Andreev reflection under mirror operation in zigzag graphene ribbon

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that in a graphene-superconductor hybrid system, specular Andreev reflection can exhibit odd parity under mirror operation, leading to zero reflection probability due to quantum interference, which is a novel finding in the field.

Contribution

It provides the first example of odd parity in Andreev reflection in a three-terminal graphene-superconductor system, highlighting the role of band structure topology.

Findings

Odd parity observed for specular Andreev reflection

Zero SAR probability due to quantum interference

Distinct band topology causes parity difference

Abstract

It is known that the parity of reflection amplitude can either be even or odd under the mirror operation. Up to now, all the parities of reflection amplitude in the one-mode energy region are even under the mirror operation. In this paper, we give an example of odd parity for Andreev reflection (AR) in a three-terminal graphene-supercondutor hybrid systems. We found that the parity is even for the Andreev retroreflection (ARR) and odd for specular Andreev reflection (SAR). We attribute this remarkable phenomenon to the distinct topology of the band structure of graphene and the specular Andreev reflection involving two energy bands with different parity symmetry. As a result of odd parity of SAR, the SAR probability of a four-terminal system with two superconducting leads (two reflection interfaces) can be zero even when the system is asymmetric due to the quantum interference of two ARs.