Can mesoscopic fluctuations reverse the supercurrent through a disordered Josephson junction?

M. Titov, Ph. Jacquod, C. W. J. Beenakker

Published 2001-06-01Version 1

We calculate the Josephson coupling energy $U_J(\phi)$ (related to the supercurrent $I=(2e/\hbar) dU_J/d\phi$) for a disordered normal metal between two superconductors with a phase difference $\phi$. We demonstrate that the symmetry of the scattering matrix of non-interacting quasiparticles in zero magnetic field implies that $U_J(\phi)$ has a minimum at $\phi=0$. A maximum (that would lead to a $\pi$-junction or negative superfluid density) is excluded for any realization of the disorder.