Abstract
The quantum decay of a one-dimensional small supercurrent is a charge non-neutral process which involves an electromagnetic field. I take proper account of magnetic and electric screening, respectively, and find that the electromagnetic field contributes an exponentially small multipling factor to the quantum decay rate with α the fine structure constant and a numerical constant of order unity. This means that a circulating supercurrent lives forever. Possible relevance with several recent experiments is discussed.
- Received 22 February 1995
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.74.5128
©1995 American Physical Society