9804023 Mendez This interdisciplinary experimental research project is concerned with physical effects in unusual hybrid semiconductor- superconductor electronic device structures. Two topics to be studied are (a) shot noise of the supercurrent in quantum point contacts, and (b) tunneling-controlled transistor action in Josephson heterostructures. Topic (a) addresses the ultimate limits of noise in point contacts, and interest as structures are reduced in size; topic (b) opens the possibility for highly sensitive superconducting devices. The research furthers knowledge on issues of compatibility in semiconductor- superconductor lithographically patterned devices. This highly interdisciplinary research will involve graduate student and postdoctoral researchers who will receive excellent training beneficial to their future careers in industry, government or academia. %%% This interdisciplinary experimental research project is concerned with unusual electron junction devices, which in some ways resemble the transistors which are present in computer chips and many other semiconductor electronic devices.The devices of interest here are unusual in that they combine semiconductor device methods with superconducting elements, and in some cases they may be termed "superconducting transistors" . A superconductor has the property that it passes an electrical current without generating any heat. One of the problems with present day semiconductor electronics is that the heat generated is so great as to require fans and even air conditioners to take it away. Hypothetical superconducting computer chips would avoid this problem, and for this reason could be made smaller with larger numbers of devices per chip. The research in the experimental project explores two types of devices which combine semiconducting and superconducting elements. The res ults of this study will add to basic understanding which could be of future benefit in microelectronics technology and in the production of improved sensors for magnetic field, electrical current, and related quantities. The research also furthers knowledge on issues of compatibility in semiconductor-superconductor lithographically patterned devices. This highly interdisciplinary research will involve graduate student and postdoctoral researchers who will receive excellent training beneficial to their future careers in industry, government or academia. ***
