Microscopic charging and in-gap states in superconducting granular aluminum

TL;DR

This study uses scanning tunneling microscopy to explore the microscopic electronic structure of superconducting granular aluminum, revealing in-gap states, Coulomb charging effects, and multiple low-energy excitations that impact quantum device performance.

Contribution

It provides the first microscopic evidence of in-gap states and Coulomb effects in granular aluminum, advancing understanding of its superconductor-insulator transition.

Findings

Increased superconducting gap in individual grains near and above Mott resistivity

Detection of Coulomb charging effects indicating decoupling of grains

Observation of multiple low-energy states suggesting bosonic excitations

Abstract

Following the emergence of superconducting granular aluminum (grAl) as a material for high-impedance quantum circuits, future development hinges on a microscopic understanding of its phase diagram, and whether the superconductor-to-insulator transition (SIT) is driven by disorder or charging effects. Beyond fundamental relevance, these mechanisms govern noise and dissipation in microwave circuits. Although the enhancement of the critical temperature, and the SIT in granular superconductors have been studied for more than fifty years, experimental studies have so far provided incomplete information on the microscopic phenomena. Here we present scanning tunneling microscope measurements of the local electronic structure of superconducting grAl. We confirm an increased superconducting gap in individual grains both near and above the Mott resistivity $\rho_\mathrm{M} \approx 400\ \mu \Omega cm$. Above $\rho_\mathrm{M}$ we find Coulomb charging effects, a first indication for decoupling, and in-gap states on individual grains, which could contribute to flux noise and dielectric loss in quantum devices. We also observe multiple low-energy states outside the gap, which may indicate bosonic excitations of the superconducting order parameter.