Phase coherence in superconducting and molecular nanostructures

• Research unit: COST
• Project number: C99.0115

Key words (English)

Theory of Nanostructures; Mesoscopic Superconductivity; Quantum Coherence; Molecular Electronics

Research programs (English)

COST-Action P5 - Mesoscopic electronics

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

A, B, CZ, DK, FIN, F, D, H, I, NL, PL, SK, E, S, CH, GB

Abstract (English)

We have calculated the dephasing rate of ultracold atoms in an atomic waveguide subject to a fluctuating current. Taking excited states of the trap into account, we find a dephasing rate that scales like the fourth power of the distance of the trap minimum to the wire. In addition, we have analyzed the difference between dephasing and phase averaging in an experimentally relevant Mach-Zehnder interferometer device. We have also discussed dephasing in a symmetric interference setup consisting of two single-level quantum dots. Finally, we have discovered a new mechanism that may lead to positive cross-correlations beween the currents in two leads of a three-terminal quantum dot with ferromagnetic leads, viz., dynamical spin blockade.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: COST-DB of the State Secretariat for Education and Research Hallwylstrasse 4 CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland Tel. [phone] Swiss Project-Number: C99.0115