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Impact of Andreev Bound States within the Leads of a Quantum Dot Josephson Junction

Alberto Bordin1,*, Florian J. Bennebroek Evertsz’1,*, Gorm O. Steffensen2,3,4,*, Tom Dvir1,†, Grzegorz P. Mazur1, David van Driel1, Nick van Loo1, Jan Cornelis Wolff1, Erik P. A. M. Bakkers5 et al.

Alfredo Levy Yeyati2,3,6 and Leo P. Kouwenhoven1,‡

  • *These authors contributed equally to this work.
  • †Present address: Quantum Machines, Tel Aviv, Israel.
  • ‡Contact author: l.p.kouwenhoven@tudelft.nl
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Phys. Rev. X 15, 011046 – Published 3 March, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevX.15.011046

Abstract

Detection and control of Andreev bound states (ABSs) localized at semiconductor-superconductor interfaces are essential for their use in quantum applications. Here we investigate the impact of ABSs on the supercurrent through a Josephson junction containing a quantum dot (QD). Additional normal-metal tunneling probes on both sides of the junction unveil the ABSs residing at the semiconductor-superconductor interfaces. Such knowledge provides an ingredient missing in previous studies, improving the connection between theory and experimental data. By varying the ABS energies using electrostatic gates, we show control of the switching current, with the ability to alter it by more than an order of magnitude. Finally, the large degree of ABS tunability allows us to realize a three-site Andreev molecule in which the central QD is screened by both ABSs. This system is studied simultaneously using both supercurrent and spectroscopy.

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Popular Summary

Superconductors, which carry electrical current without dissipation, are central to advanced technologies such as superconducting diodes and qubits. A key component in these systems is the Josephson junction, which relies on a weak link between superconducting regions. In this study, we explore a highly tunable Josephson junction where the weak link is formed by an artificial atom—a semiconducting quantum dot. Our findings reveal that the supercurrent in this junction is carried not by a single atom but by a three-site artificial molecule, which closely resembles carbon dioxide: The quantum dot acts as carbon and Andreev bound states (ABSs)—discrete energy states that form at the interface between a normal metal and a superconductor—represent the oxygen atoms.

Using novel probes, we gain a unique insight into the structure of the junction and the behavior of the supercurrent. By tuning the bonds and orbitals of the artificial molecule, we achieve exceptional control over the supercurrent, observing changes of more than an order of magnitude. This enables us to uncover the crucial role of ABSs in the junction’s function. These states, which were previously hidden beneath the superconducting leads, are now revealed as a fundamental component of the junction’s behavior. This discovery suggests that prior studies may have overlooked the impact of ABSs, despite their likely presence.

Our results offer significant implications for the design of more efficient superconducting transistors and diodes. Furthermore, the ability to manipulate artificial molecules in quantum devices paves the way for the creation of more complex and precise structures in future quantum technologies.

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Phys. Rev. X 15, 011046– Published 3 March, 2025
  • Received 28 April 2024
  • Revised 15 October 2024
  • Accepted 6 January 2025
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