Quantum interference in asymmetric superconducting nanowire loops

Abstract Macroscopic phase coherence in superconductors enables quantum interference and phase manipulation at realistic device length scales. Numerous superconducting electronic devices are based on the modulation of the supercurrent in superconducting loops. While the overall behavior of symmetric superconducting loops has been studied, the effects of asymmetries in such devices remain under-explored and poorly understood. Here we report on an experimental and theoretical study of the flux modulation of the persistent current in a doubly connected asymmetric aluminum nanowire loop. A model considering the length and electronic cross-section asymmetries in the loop provides a quantitative account of the observations. Comparison with experiments give essential parameters such as persistent and critical currents as well as the amount of asymmetry which can provide feedback into the design of superconducting quantum devices.