Monochromatic electron emission from the macroscopic quantum state of a superconductor

K. Nagaoka, T. Yamashita, S. Uchiyama, M. Yamada, H. Fujii and C. Oshima ()
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K. Nagaoka: Waseda University
T. Yamashita: Waseda University
S. Uchiyama: Waseda University
M. Yamada: Waseda University
H. Fujii: Waseda University
C. Oshima: Waseda University

Nature, 1998, vol. 396, issue 6711, 557-559

Abstract: Abstract The ground state of a superconductor is a macroscopic quantum state that can extend coherently over substantial distances1. As a result, electrons tunnelling from two different points (separated by macroscopic length) on the surface of a superconductor remain coherent in phase and so are able to interfere: this property forms the basis of superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). Another characteristic of electrons tunnelling from a superconductor is that they are monochromatic, their energy being determined by the ground-state energy of the superconducting state. Monochromatic electrons have been observed tunnelling from a superconductor to a normal metal2, and the resulting currents have been used to probe the dynamics of atoms and molecules at interfaces3. Here we report the results of field-emission experiments that confirm the prediction4 that monochromatic electrons can similarly be emitted from a superconductor into vacuum. Monochromatic emissions of this type might find application as the sources in a range of electron-based spectroscopies.

Date: 1998
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DOI: 10.1038/25098

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