Andreev molecule in parallel InAs nanowires

TL;DR

This paper reports the first observation of hybridization between two artificial atoms in parallel InAs nanowires via the BCS superconducting vacuum, forming an Andreev molecular state.

Contribution

It demonstrates the experimental realization of an Andreev molecular state by coupling two artificial atoms through a superconducting link in parallel nanowires.

Findings

Hybridization observed between two artificial atoms.

First demonstration of an Andreev molecular state.

Potential implications for topological quantum states.

Abstract

Coupling individual atoms via tunneling fundamentally changes the state of matter: electrons bound to atomic cores become delocalized resulting in a change from an insulating to a metallic state, as it is well known from the canonical example of solids. A chain of atoms could lead to more exotic states if the tunneling takes place via the superconducting vacuum and can induce topologically protected excitations like Majorana or parafermions. Toward the realization of such artificial chains, coupling a single atom to the superconducting vacuum is well studied, but the hybridization of two sites via the superconductor was not yet reported. The peculiar vacuum of the BCS condensate opens the way to annihilate or generate two electrons from the bulk resulting in a so-called Andreev molecular state. By employing parallel nanowires with an Al superconductor shell, two artificial atoms were created at a minimal distance with an epitaxial superconducting link between. Hybridization via the BCS vacuum was observed between the two artificial atoms for the first time, as a demonstration of an Andreev molecular state.