Transport through Andreev Bound States in a Graphene-base Quantum Dot

We perform tunneling spectroscopy on a graphene-quantum dot (QD)-superconductor junction, a system in which sharp, gate-tunable Andreev bound states (ABS) in the spectra have been observed [1]. Here we extend previous results, particularly regarding the origins of the QD. In particular, we discuss how a discontinuous layer of AlO$_{x}$ between the superconductor and the graphene plays a role in the formation of the QD. We also discuss additional spectroscopic features that may be due to multiple QDs and energy levels. Finally, we show that a robust superconducting tunneling junction can be created in a lead-graphene structure, without the explicit deposition of a tunneling barrier. \\[4pt] [1] Dirks, T., Nature Physics 7, 386--390 (2011)