Phase coherence in a two-dimensional array of normal and superconducting wires

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Abstract
We present a study of a two-dimensional superconducting network made of perpendicular normal (N) and superconducting (S) wires. A two-axes angle evaporation technique has been developed in an ultrahigh vacuum system, in order to control efficiently the quality of the N-S interface. Below the superconducting transition of S, the strong anisotropy of the system induces a localization of the superconducting order parameter along the S wires. The study of the electron transport along the N wires as a function of temperature and magnetic field gives physical insight in a regime of high anisotropy in superconducting arrays. In the direction of the N wires, the proximity effect induces a resistive transition at low temperature. This system has an original magnetoresistance signature, related to interference effects between proximity-induced superconducting currents.