Proximity effect-induced superconducting networks

We have studied proximity effect-induced superconductivity of micro wire networks in a magnetic field for investigating topological effects of the superconducting order parameter through Little-Parks oscillation. We prepared a regular honeycomb network, which has Pb-Au bilayer structure, by standard electron beam lithography and measured variation of superconducting transition temperature (Tc) in a magnetic field. We also fabricated a honeycomb network made of Pb monolayer and measured it in the same way. In the experimental results of the monolayer network, 2.06 ± 0.02 Gauss of periodic variation of Tc in a magnetic field was observed at around 7.2 K. The area estimated from this period is 10.04 μm2 and correspond to unit honeycomb enclosed by center of the wire. While, in the results of the bilayer network, 2.66 ± 0.04 Gauss of periodic variation of Tc in a magnetic field was observed at around 4.3 K because of the proximity effect. The area estimated from this period is 7.78 μm2 and correspond to unit honeycomb enclosed by edge of the wire. In the latter case, the superconducting current flows through edge of the wire since the order parameter can be considered to be more developed and inhomogeneous on the wire cross-section at around 4.3 K less than 7.2 K. Consequently, a novel network of paths flowing through the superconducting current, which consists of loops enclosed by edge of the wire, can be realized by controlling the proximity effect.