Theory of three-terminal Andreev spin qubits

TL;DR

This paper develops a theoretical framework for three-terminal Josephson effects in spin-orbit systems, exploring their potential as Andreev spin qubits and analyzing qubit coupling mechanisms.

Contribution

It introduces an analytical model for three-terminal Josephson systems with spin-orbit interaction, highlighting conditions for qubit operation and qubit-qubit coupling.

Findings

Transition between Andreev levels is blocked by pseudo-spin conservation in ideal cases.

External magnetic fields or impurities are needed to enable qubit operation.

Supercurrent-mediated coupling between two qubits is feasible.

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a concise theoretical framework for the equilibrium three-terminal Josephson effect in spin-orbit-interacting systems, inspired by recent experiments on an InAs/Al heterostructure [Phys. Rev. X 14, 031024 (2024)]. We develop an analytical model to capture the essential low-energy physics of the system and examine its potential as an Andreev spin qubit, while also reconciling some findings of Ref. [Phys. Rev. B 90, 155450 (2014)]. Our analysis of the transitions between the Andreev levels in the junction shows that, in an idealized scenario, the transition between the lowest pair of pseudo-spin-split Andreev levels is blocked by pseudo-spin conservation. We demonstrate that to operate the system as an Andreev spin qubit, leveraging the significant spin splitting observed experimentally, additional ingredients such as external magnetic filed or magnetic impurities are required. Finally, we apply our model to investigate the coupling between two such qubits, mediated by supercurrent.