Observation of Aharonov-Bohm effect in PbTe nanowire networks

TL;DR

This study demonstrates phase coherent electron transport in PbTe nanowire networks, revealing Aharonov-Bohm oscillations indicative of quantum interference effects, with a notably large phase coherence length at very low temperatures.

Contribution

First observation of Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in PbTe nanowire networks, highlighting their potential for quantum interference applications.

Findings

Detection of $h/e$ and $h/2e$ AB oscillations

Enhanced $h/2e$ oscillations near zero magnetic field

Phase coherence length of 8-12 μm at 50 mK

Abstract

We report phase coherent electron transport in PbTe nanowire networks with a loop geometry. Magneto-conductance shows Aharonov-Bohm (AB) oscillations with periods of $h/e$ and $h/2e$ in flux. The amplitude of $h/2e$ oscillations is enhanced near zero magnetic field, possibly due to interference between time-reversal paths. Temperature dependence of the AB amplitudes suggests a phase coherence length $\sim$ 8 - 12 $\mu$m at 50 mK. This length scale is larger than the typical geometry of PbTe-based hybrid semiconductor-superconductor nanowire devices.