ac effect in the conductance of mesoscopic normal-metal-superconductor structures

Abstract

Resonant peaks in the resistance of a mesoscopic normal-metal wire in contact with two superconductors under rf irradiation are detected. The peaks occur when a potential difference V=ℏω/2e is applied between the superconductors. The peaks can be interpreted as an ac phase-coherent phenomenon in the conductance of mesoscopic normal-metal-superconductor structures. This effect is observed although the critical Josephson current is negligibly small and the Shapiro steps are absent.