| Hubert B. Heersche, Pablo Jarillo-Herrero, Jeroen B. Oostinga, Lieven M. K. Vandersypen, Alberto F. Morpurgo
This article reports on the observation of a bipolar supercurrent in graphene, a two-dimensional material with unique electronic properties. The study demonstrates that supercurrents can flow in graphene even at zero charge density, a phenomenon linked to the material's time reversal symmetry and its relativistic-like behavior of charge carriers. The experiments involve mesoscopic superconducting junctions composed of a graphene layer between two superconducting electrodes, with the charge density controlled by a gate electrode. The results show that the supercurrent is carried by either electrons in the conduction band or holes in the valence band, depending on the gate voltage. Importantly, the supercurrent is finite even at the Dirac point, where the density of states is expected to be zero, indicating phase coherent electronic transport in graphene.
The study also explores the Josephson effect in graphene, which requires phase coherence and time reversal symmetry. The superconducting proximity effect was observed, leading to the formation of a supercurrent. The critical current was found to depend on the magnetic field and exhibited a Fraunhofer-like oscillation pattern, indicating a uniform supercurrent density distribution. The ac Josephson effect was also observed, with Shapiro steps appearing when the sample was irradiated with microwaves. Additionally, subgap structures in the differential resistance were observed, attributed to multiple Andreev reflections, and the superconducting gap was determined to be approximately 125 μeV.
The study further examines the relationship between the critical current and the normal state conductance, finding a correlation that is consistent with theoretical predictions. The results highlight the unique electronic properties of graphene, including its phase coherent transport and the special role of time reversal symmetry. The findings demonstrate that graphene can support supercurrents, even at the Dirac point, and provide insights into the quantum interference phenomena in this material. The results are significant for understanding the behavior of relativistic electrons in graphene and have implications for the development of novel electronic devices.This article reports on the observation of a bipolar supercurrent in graphene, a two-dimensional material with unique electronic properties. The study demonstrates that supercurrents can flow in graphene even at zero charge density, a phenomenon linked to the material's time reversal symmetry and its relativistic-like behavior of charge carriers. The experiments involve mesoscopic superconducting junctions composed of a graphene layer between two superconducting electrodes, with the charge density controlled by a gate electrode. The results show that the supercurrent is carried by either electrons in the conduction band or holes in the valence band, depending on the gate voltage. Importantly, the supercurrent is finite even at the Dirac point, where the density of states is expected to be zero, indicating phase coherent electronic transport in graphene.
The study also explores the Josephson effect in graphene, which requires phase coherence and time reversal symmetry. The superconducting proximity effect was observed, leading to the formation of a supercurrent. The critical current was found to depend on the magnetic field and exhibited a Fraunhofer-like oscillation pattern, indicating a uniform supercurrent density distribution. The ac Josephson effect was also observed, with Shapiro steps appearing when the sample was irradiated with microwaves. Additionally, subgap structures in the differential resistance were observed, attributed to multiple Andreev reflections, and the superconducting gap was determined to be approximately 125 μeV.
The study further examines the relationship between the critical current and the normal state conductance, finding a correlation that is consistent with theoretical predictions. The results highlight the unique electronic properties of graphene, including its phase coherent transport and the special role of time reversal symmetry. The findings demonstrate that graphene can support supercurrents, even at the Dirac point, and provide insights into the quantum interference phenomena in this material. The results are significant for understanding the behavior of relativistic electrons in graphene and have implications for the development of novel electronic devices.