Waiting times of entangled electrons in normal-superconducting junctions

TL;DR

This paper investigates how entanglement and scattering processes at a normal-superconducting junction influence the waiting times of electrons, revealing enhanced detection probabilities for entangled pairs and effects of interface scattering.

Contribution

It introduces analysis of waiting time distributions considering both Andreev and specular scattering, and explores the impact of partial entanglement on electron detection timing.

Findings

Entangled Cooper pair splitting increases short-interval electron detection probability.

Interface acts as an Andreev mirror for holes, minimally affecting waiting times.

Partial entanglement modifies the waiting time distribution in realistic scenarios.

Abstract

We consider a normal-superconducting junction in order to investigate the effect of new physical ingredients on waiting times. First, we study the interplay between Andreev and specular scattering at the interface on the distribution of waiting times of electrons or holes separately. In that case the distribution is not altered dramatically compared to the case of a single quantum channel with a quantum point contact since the interface acts as an Andreev mirror for holes. We then consider a fully entangled state originating from spliting of Cooper pairs at the interface and demonstrate a significant enhancement of the probability to detect two consecutive electrons in a short time interval. Finally, we discuss the electronic waiting time distribution in the more realistic situation of partial entanglement.