Operating a superconducting channel by electron injection

Abstract

The invention is notably directed to a method of operating a superconducting channel. The method relies on a device including: a potentially superconducting material; a gate electrode; and an electrically insulating medium. A channel is defined by the potentially superconducting material. The gate electrode positioned adjacent to the channel, such that an end surface of the gate electrode faces a portion of the channel. The electrically insulating medium is arranged in such a manner that it electrically insulates the gate electrode from the channel. Rendering the channel superconducting by cooling down the device. Next, a voltage difference is applied between the gate electrode and the channel to inject electrons in the channel through the electrically insulating medium and thereby generate a gate current between the gate electrode and the channel. The electrons are injected with an average energy sufficient to modify a critical current Iof the channel.