We perform strategic current injection in a small mesoscopic superconductor and control the (non)equilibrium quantum states in an applied homogeneous magnetic field. In doing so, we realize a current-driven splitting of multiquanta vortices, current-induced transitions between states with different angular momenta, and current-controlled switching between otherwise degenerate quantum states. These fundamental phenomena form the basis for the electronic and logic applications discussed, and are confirmed in both theoretical simulations and multiple-small-tunnel-junction transport measurements.

• Received 12 February 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.217003