86,410 research outputs found

    Boundary Field Theory Approach to the Renormalization of SQUID Devices

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    We show that the quantum properties of some Josephson SQUID devices are described by a boundary sine Gordon model. Our approach naturally describes multi-junction SQUID devices and, when applied to a single junction SQUID (the rf-SQUID), it reproduces the known results of Glazman and Hekking. We provide a detailed analysis of the regimes accessible to an rf-SQUID and to a two-Josephson junction SQUID device (the dc-SQUID). We then compute the normal component of the current-response of a SQUID device to an externally applied voltage and show that the equation describing the current-voltage characteristic function reduces to well-known results when the infrared cutoff is suitably chosen. Our approach helps in establishing new and interesting connections between superconducting devices, quantum brownian motion, fermionic quantum wires and, more generally, quantum impurity problems.Comment: 54 pages, 1 figure, 1 section added, new figur

    Metastability in a nano-bridge based hysteretic DC-SQUID embedded in superconducting microwave resonator

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    We study the metastable response of a highly hysteretic DC-SQUID made of a Niobium loop interrupted by two nano-bridges. We excite the SQUID with an alternating current and with direct magnetic flux, and find different stability zones forming diamond-like structures in the measured voltage across the SQUID. When such a SQUID is embedded in a transmission line resonator similar diamond structures are observed in the reflection pattern of the resonator. We have calculated the DC-SQUID stability diagram in the plane of the exciting control parameters, both analytically and numerically. In addition, we have obtained numerical simulations of the SQUID equations of motion, taking into account temperature variations and non-sinusoidal current-phase relation of the nano-bridges. Good agreement is found between experimental and theoretical results

    Stacked Josephson junction SQUID

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    Operation of a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) made of stacked Josephson junctions is analyzed numerically for a variety of junction parameters. Due to a magnetic coupling of junctions in the stack, such a SQUID has certain advantages as compared to an uncoupled multi-junction SQUID. Namely, metastability of current-flux modulation can be reduced and a voltage-flux modulation can be improved if junctions in the stack are phase-locked. Optimum operation of the SQUID is expected for moderately long, strongly coupled stacked Josephson junctions. A possibility of making a stacked Josephson junction SQUID based on intrinsic Josephson junctions in high-Tc superconductor is discussed.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, presented at SQUID-2001 (Stenungsbaden September 2001

    Superconducting microstrip amplifiers with sub-Kelvin noise temperature near 4 GHz

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    We present measurements of an amplifier operating at 3.8 GHz with 150 MHz of bandwidth based on the microstrip input-coil resonance of a dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) with submicron Josephson junctions. The noise temperature is measured using two methods: comparing the signal-to-noise ratio of the system with and without the SQUID in the amplifier chain, and using a modified Y-factor technique where calibrated narrowband noise is mixed up to the SQUID amplifier operating frequency. With the SQUID cooled to 0.35 K we observe a minimum system noise temperature of 0.55 ± 0.13\pm~0.13 K, dominated by the contribution from the SQUID amplifier

    Dissipative breathers in rf SQUID metamaterials

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    The existence and stability of dissipative breathers in rf SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) arrays is investigated numerically. In such arrays, the nonlinearity which is intrinsic to each SQUID, along with the weak magnetic coupling of each SQUID to its nearest neighbors, result in the formation of discrete breathers. We analyze several discrete breather excitations in rf SQUID arrays driven by alternating flux sources in the presence of losses. The delicate balance between internal power losses and input power, results in the formation of dissipative discrete breather (DDB) structures up to relatively large coupling parameters. It is shown that DDBs may locally alter the magnetic response of an rf SQUID array from paramagnetic to diamagnetic or vice versa.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

    Quantum analysis of a nonlinear microwave cavity-embedded dc SQUID displacement detector

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    We carry out a quantum analysis of a dc SQUID mechanical displacement detector, comprising a SQUID with mechanically compliant loop segment, which is embedded in a microwave transmission line resonator. The SQUID is approximated as a nonlinear, current dependent inductance, inducing an external flux tunable, nonlinear Duffing self-interaction term in the microwave resonator mode equation. Motion of the compliant SQUID loop segment is transduced inductively through changes in the external flux threading SQUID loop, giving a ponderomotive, radiation pressure type coupling between the microwave and mechanical resonator modes. Expressions are derived for the detector signal response and noise, and it is found that a soft-spring Duffing self-interaction enables a closer approach to the displacement detection standard quantum limit, as well as cooling closer to the ground state

    Time-division SQUID multiplexers with reduced sensitivity to external magnetic fields

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    Time-division SQUID multiplexers are used in many applications that require exquisite control of systematic error. One potential source of systematic error is the pickup of external magnetic fields in the multiplexer. We present measurements of the field sensitivity figure of merit, effective area, for both the first stage and second stage SQUID amplifiers in three NIST SQUID multiplexer designs. These designs include a new variety with improved gradiometry that significantly reduces the effective area of both the first and second stage SQUID amplifiers.Comment: 4 pages, 7 figures. Submitted for publication in the IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, August 201
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