Non-thermal origin of nonlinear transport across magnetically induced superconductor-metal-insulator transition

TL;DR

This study reveals that nonlinear electronic transport in amorphous Ta thin films across a magnetic field-induced superconductor-metal-insulator transition is non-thermal in origin, characterized by long voltage response times.

Contribution

It demonstrates that nonlinear transport in these films is non-thermal and occurs in the superconducting and metallic phases near the transition.

Findings

Nonlinear transport is of non-thermal origin.

Long voltage response times are observed.

Magnetic field induces a metallic phase between superconductor and insulator.

Abstract

We have studied the effect of perpendicular magnetic fields and temperatures on the nonlinear electronic transport in amorphous Ta superconducting thin films. The films exhibit a magnetic field induced metallic behavior intervening the superconductor-insulator transition in the zero temperature limit. We show that the nonlinear transport in the superconducting and metallic phase is of non-thermal origin and accompanies an extraordinarily long voltage response time.