A new model for the resistance anomaly in mesoscopic superconducting wires

Abstract

We propose a model that provides, for the first time, a quantitative explanation for the anomalous resistance peak in the superconducting transition of mesoscopic metal wires and loops. We assume a normal-current path in parallel with a normal-superconducting-normal quasi-particle tunnel barrier forming at the node area of the dangling voltage probes. The model allows a quantitative fit to the dependence of the resistance anomaly on the external parameters, such as temperature, bias current, and an external magnetic field.