Negative Spin $\hat{I}{”}_T$ noise Induced by Spin-Flip Scattering and Andreev Reflection

Abstract

We study charge $\hat{I}{”}_T$ noise, followed by an examination of spin $\hat{I}{”}_T$ noise, in the normal metal-spin flipper-normal metal-insulator-superconductor (N-sf-N-I-S) junction. Our analysis reveals a key contrast: while charge $\hat{I}{”}_T$ noise remains strictly positive, spin $\hat{I}{”}_T$ noise undergoes a sign reversal from positive to negative, driven by the interplay between spin-flip scattering as well as Andreev reflection. In contrast, charge quantum shot noise remains positive and sign-definite, which is also valid for spin quantum shot noise. The emergence of negative spin $\hat{I}{”}_T$ noise has two major implications. First, it establishes a clear distinction between spin-resolved $\hat{I}{”}_T$ noise and quantum shot noise: the former is dominated by opposite-spin correlations, whereas the latter is led by same-spin correlations. Second, it provides access to scattering mechanisms that are not captured by quantum shot noise alone. Thus, negative spin $\hat{I}{”}_T$ noise serves as a unique probe of the cooperative effects of Andreev reflection and spin flipping. We further place our results in context by comparing them with earlier reports of negative $\hat{I}{”}_T$ noise in strongly correlated systems, such as fractional quantum Hall states, and in multiterminal hybrid superconducting junctions. Overall, this work offers new insights into the mechanisms governing sign reversals in $\hat{I}{”}_T$ noise and highlights their role as distinctive fingerprints of spin-dependent scattering in superconducting hybrid devices.

14 pages, 6 figures, 2 tables, accepted for publication in Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter