Andreev interferometer with three superconducting electrodes

Abstract

We develop a quasiclassical theory of Andreev interferometers with three superconducting electrodes. Provided the tunneling interface resistance between one superconducting electrode and the normal metal strongly exceeds two others, significant current sensitivity to the external magnetic flux is observed only at subgap voltages. If all barrier conductances are comparable, multiple Andreev reflection comes into play and substantial current modulation can be achieved in both subgap and overgap voltage regimes. Our analysis reveals a large variety of interesting features, which can be used for performance optimization of Andreev interferometers. © 2012 American Physical Society.