Quantum Phase Slips in Superconducting Wires with Weak Inhomogeneities

Quantum phase slips are traditionally considered in diffusive superconducting wires which are assumed homogeneous. We present a definite estimate for the amplitude of phase slips that occur at a weak inhomogeneity in the wire where local resistivity is slightly increased. We model such a weak link as a general coherent conductor and show that...

Elementary Events of Electron Transfer in a Voltage-Driven Quantum Point Contact