Connecting strongly correlated superfluids by a quantum point contact

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a controllable quantum point contact connecting strongly correlated Fermi superfluids, revealing non-linear current behavior and the interplay of superfluidity and thermal effects, advancing mesoscopic device research.

Contribution

It introduces a tunable ballistic quantum point contact for strongly correlated Fermi gases and validates a theoretical model of multiple Andreev reflections in this system.

Findings

Observation of non-linear current-bias relation

Quantitative agreement with multiple Andreev reflections theory

Conductance minimum due to competition between superfluidity and thermal transport

Abstract

Point contacts provide simple connections between macroscopic particle reservoirs. In electric circuits, strong links between metals, semiconductors or superconductors have applications for fundamental condensed-matter physics as well as quantum information processing. However for complex, strongly correlated materials, links have been largely restricted to weak tunnel junctions. Here we study resonantly interacting Fermi gases connected by a tunable, ballistic quantum point contact, finding a non-linear current-bias relation. At low temperature, our observations agree quantitatively with a theoretical model in which the current originates from multiple Andreev reflections. In a wide contact geometry, the competition between superfluidity and thermally activated transport leads to a conductance minimum. Our system offers a controllable platform for the study of mesoscopic devices based on strongly interacting matter.