Superconducting Quantum Point Contacts

TL;DR

This paper reviews experiments on superconducting atomic contacts, highlighting their role in testing quantum transport theories and demonstrating the Josephson effect despite atomic configuration uncertainties.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of superconducting quantum point contacts and their use in fundamental quantum transport experiments.

Findings

Atomic contacts can be manipulated and characterized in-situ.

Quantum transport theories are tested using these contacts.

The Josephson effect is demonstrated in atomic-scale superconducting contacts.

Abstract

We review our experiments on the electronic transport properties of atomic contacts between metallic electrodes, in particular superconducting ones. Despite ignorance of the exact atomic configuration, these ultimate quantum point contacts can be manipulated and well characterized in-situ. They allow performing fundamental tests of the scattering theory of quantum transport. In particular, we discuss the case of the Josephson effect.