Observation of the Josephson effect in Pb/Ba1−xKxFe2As2 single crystal junctions

Abstract

We have fabricated c-axis Josephson junctions on single crystals of Ba1-xKxFe2As2 by using Pb as the counterelectrode in two geometries, planar and point contact. Junctions in both geometries show resistively shunted junction I-V curves below the T-C of the counterelectrode. Microwave induced steps were observed in the I-V curves, and the critical currents are suppressed with an in-plane magnetic field with well-defined modulation periods indicating that the Josephson current is flowing in a manner consistent with the small to intermediate sized junction limit. ICRN products of up to 0.3 mV have been observed in these junctions at 4.2 K. The observation of Josephson coupling along the c axis between Ba1-xKxFe2As2 and a conventional superconductor suggests the existence of an s-wave symmetry in this class of iron pnictide superconductors.