Thermodynamics of non-Hermitian Josephson junctions with exceptional points

We present an analytical formulation of the thermodynamics, free energy, and entropy of any generic Bogoliubov--de Gennes model which develops exceptional point (EP) bifurcations in its complex spectrum when coupled to reservoirs. We apply our formalism to a non-Hermitian Josephson junction where, despite recent claims, the supercurrent does not exhibit any divergences at EPs. The entropy, on the contrary, shows a universal jump of $1/2\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}ln2$, which can be linked to the emergence of Majorana zero modes at EPs. Our method allows us to obtain precise analytical boundaries for the temperatures at which such Majorana entropy steps appear. We propose a generalized Maxwell relation linking supercurrents and entropy which could pave the way towards the direct experimental observation of such steps in, e.g., quantum-dot-based minimal Kitaev chains.

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Publication Details

Journal
Physical review. B./Physical review. B
Published
2025-04-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.111.l140503
Citations
6
Primary Topic
Quantum Mechanics and Non-Hermitian Physics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
7.48

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article

Thermodynamics of non-Hermitian Josephson junctions with exceptional points

Yigal Meir, Ramón Aguado, D. Michel Pino
6 citations
Physical review. B./Physical review. B
Quantum Mechanics and Non-Hermitian Physics
7.48
article

Thermodynamics of non-Hermitian Josephson junctions with exceptional points

Yigal Meir, Ramón Aguado, D. Michel Pino
article en
6 citations

Abstract

We present an analytical formulation of the thermodynamics, free energy, and entropy of any generic Bogoliubov--de Gennes model which develops exceptional point (EP) bifurcations in its complex spectrum when coupled to reservoirs. We apply our formalism to a non-Hermitian Josephson junction where, despite recent claims, the supercurrent does not exhibit any divergences at EPs. The entropy, on the contrary, shows a universal jump of $1/2\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}ln2$, which can be linked to the emergence of Majorana zero modes at EPs. Our method allows us to obtain precise analytical boundaries for the temperatures at which such Majorana entropy steps appear. We propose a generalized Maxwell relation linking supercurrents and entropy which could pave the way towards the direct experimental observation of such steps in, e.g., quantum-dot-based minimal Kitaev chains.

Physical review. B./Physical review. BVol. 111(14)
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (IL), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ES), Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid (ES)
Israel Science Foundation, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Agencia Estatal de Investigación, H2020 European Research Council, HORIZON EUROPE European Innovation Council
Climate action
Openalex Percentile: Top 3%
Quantum Mechanics and Non-Hermitian Physics
7.48
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