Dynamics of quasiparticles in superconductors

Abstract
The dynamics of quasiparticles in superconductors are studied using Sn-oxide-Sn tunnel junctions excited by 30-ns argon-laser pulses. The recombination lifetime and the closure of the superconducting energy gap as a function of laser power are measured. The relationship of these measurements to current theories of quasiparticle dynamics is discussed.