Segment of an inhomogeneous mesoscopic loop as a dc power source

TL;DR

This paper reports the observation of a periodic dc voltage on segments of an asymmetric aluminum mesoscopic loop during superconducting transition, suggesting these segments can act as a dc power source due to inhomogeneity.

Contribution

It demonstrates that segments of an inhomogeneous mesoscopic loop can generate a persistent dc voltage without external current, revealing a new potential power source mechanism.

Findings

Periodic dc voltage observed during superconducting transition.

Segments can function as dc power sources.

Inhomogeneity leads to persistent voltage in normal metal loops.

Abstract

A dc voltage changed periodically with magnetic field is observed on segments of asymmetric aluminum loop without any external dc current at temperatures corresponded to superconducting transition. According to this experimental result a segment of the loop is a dc power source. A possibility of a persistent voltage on segments of an inhomogeneous normal metal mesoscopic loop follows from this result.