Nonequilibrium State in Quasi-one-dimensional Superconducting Channels (Mini-review)

Superconducting properties of metallic micro- and nanowires can be entirely different from those of bulk superconductors. Of particular interest is the nonequilibrium current-induced state of a quasi-one-dimensional superconducting channel. The most interesting phenomenon here is the stepped I–V characteristic, explained by a process known as phase slip center activation. If the origin of such step-like I–V dependencies is at least qualitatively well understood,a commonly accepted explanation for the step-like R(T) characteristics is still missing. We review theoretical and experimental activities in the field and demonstrate dramatic progress in understanding of the phenomenon of quasi-one-dimensional superconductivity.