Influence of the quantum zero-point motion of a vortex on the electronic spectra of s-wave superconductors

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the quantum zero-point motion of a vortex affects the electronic spectra in s-wave superconductors, revealing spectral shifts and new structures near the vortex core.

Contribution

It introduces a model incorporating vortex zero-point motion into BCS theory to analyze its impact on quasiparticle spectra.

Findings

Spectral weight shifts away from the chemical potential near the vortex core.

Reduction of the zero bias conductance peak due to vortex motion.

Emergence of spectral features at the harmonic trap frequency.

Abstract

We compute the influence of the quantum zero-point motion of a vortex on the electronic quasiparticle spectra of s-wave superconductors. The vortex is assumed to be pinned by a harmonic potential, and its coupling to the quasiparticles is computed in the framework of BCS theory. Near the core of the vortex, the motion leads to a shift of spectral weight away from the chemical potential, and thereby reduces the zero bias conductance peak; additional structure at the frequency of the harmonic trap is also observed.