Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation
  • Editors' Suggestion

Local Control of Parity and Charge in Nanoscale Superconducting Lead Islands

Stefano Trivini1,*,†, Jon Ortuzar1,*,‡, Katerina Vaxevani1, Beatriz Viña-Bausá1, F. Sebastian Bergeret2,3, and Jose Ignacio Pascual1,4,§

  • *These authors contributed equally to this work.
  • †Contact author: stefano.trivini@gmail.com
  • ‡Contact author: jon.ortuzar.a@gmail.com
  • §Contact author: ji.pascual@nanogune.eu

Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 226001 – Published 24 November, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/vkwr-m87v

Abstract

Small superconducting islands can exhibit charge quantization, where Coulomb interactions compete with Cooper pairing. Using scanning tunneling spectroscopy, we probe this interplay by measuring the charging energy (EC) and the pairing energy (Δ) of individual Pb nanoislands. Below a critical island size, where EC>Δ, we observe a crossover between even and odd parity ground states. By applying controlled voltage pulses, we continuously tune the island’s electrostatic potential and map the full charge-parity landscape. These results demonstrate tunable superconducting ground states, offering a potential platform for qubit design and control.

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Authorization Required

We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

References (Subscription Required)

Outline

Information

Sign In to Your Journals Account

Filter

Filter

Article Lookup

Enter a citation