Josephson effect for SU(4) carbon nanotube quantum dots

A. Zazunov, A. Levy Yeyati, R. Egger

Published 2009-09-07, updated 2010-01-12Version 2

We present the theory of the Josephson effect in nanotube dots where an SU(4) symmetry can be realized. We find a remarkably rich phase diagram that significantly differs from the SU(2) case. In particular, \pi-junction behavior is largely suppressed. We analytically obtain the Josephson current in various parameter regions: (i) in the Kondo regime, covering the full crossover from SU(4) to SU(2), (ii) for weak tunnel couplings, and (iii) for large BCS gap. The transition between these regions is studied numerically.