Development of phase-slip centers in superconducting Sn nanowires

By electrodeposition of tin inside the pores of a polycarbonate template, nanowires were grown, out of which a single one was contacted electrically so as to form a quasi-one-dimensional superconductor (diameter: 50 nm). A resistive phase-slip center appears as a response to a pulse of supercritical current. Measuring its resistance, and its time of nucleation, gives access to the electron inelastic lifetime, and to the gap relaxation time, respectively, both in the nanosecond range. Finally, the threshold current for passage into the fully normal state indicates a good thermal contact with the polycarbonate matrix. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.