Spin-orbit splitting of Andreev states revealed by microwave spectroscopy

Understand

We have performed microwave spectroscopy of Andreev states in superconducting weak links tailored in an InAs-Al (core-full shell) epitaxially-grown nanowire.

• The spectra present distinctive features, with bundles of four lines crossing when the superconducting phase difference across the weak link is 0 or $\pi.$ We interpret these as arising from zero-field spin-split Andreev states.
• A simple analytical model, which takes into account the Rashba spin-orbit interaction in a nanowire containing several transverse subbands, explains these features and their evolution with magnetic field.
• Our results show that the spin degree of freedom is addressable in Josephson junctions, and constitute a first step towards its manipulation.