INTRINSIC WEAK-LINK ORIGINATING FROM TILT IN CONTACTS BETWEEN D(X2-Y2) WAVE SUPERCONDUCTORS

It is shown that a boundary region with a depressed order parameter is intrinsically created at the interface between wave superconductors, which form a contact two d(x2-y2) wave superconductors, which form a c ontact at a tilt angle. The contact is a weak link or a Josephson junc tion, with properties determined by the misalignment angle. Complement ing existing theories that discuss the influence of d(x2-y2) symmetry on the charge transfer across junctions, the ideas presented provide i nsights into the origin of the junction formed in such configurations. The mechanism discussed is of relevance for the understanding of the electronic properties of grain boundaries in superconductors, includin g the angular dependence of the critical current density.