Spin-symmetric solution of an interacting quantum dot attached to superconducting leads: Andreev states and the 0-π transition

Behavior of Andreev gap states in a quantum dot with Coulomb repulsion symmetrically attached to superconducting leads is studied via the perturbation expansion in the interaction strength. We find the exact asymptotic form of the spin-symmetric solution for the Andreev states continuously approaching the Fermi level. We thereby derive a critical interaction at which the Andreev states at zero temperature merge at the Fermi energy, being the upper bound for the 0-pi transition. We show that the spin-symmetric solution becomes degenerate beyond this interaction, in the pi phase, and the Andreev states do not split unless the degeneracy is lifted. We further demonstrate that the degeneracy of the spin-symmetric state extends also into the 0 phase in which the solutions with zero and non-zero frequencies of the Andreev states may coexist.