Revealing Josephson vortex dynamics in proximity junctions below critical current

Made of a thin non-superconducting metal (N) sandwiched by two superconductors (S), SNS Josephson junctions enable novel quantum functionalities by mixing up the intrinsic electronic properties of N with the superconducting correlations induced from S by proximity. Electronic properties of these devices are governed by Andreev quasiparticles [1] which are absent in conventional SIS junctions whose insulating barrier (I) between the two S electrodes owns no electronic states. Here we focus on the Josephson vortex (JV) motion inside Nb-Cu-Nb proximity junctions subject to electric currents and magnetic fields. The results of local (Magnetic Force Microscopy) and global (transport) experiments provided simultaneously are compared with our numerical model, revealing the existence of several distinct dynamic regimes of the JV motion. One of them, identified as a fast hysteretic entry/escape below the critical value of Josephson current, is analyzed and suggested for low-dissipative logic and memory elements.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures, 1 table, 43 reference

Demonstration of a Josephson vortex-based memory cell with microwave energy-efficient readout

Abstract The ongoing progress of superconducting logic systems with Josephson junctions as base elements requires the development of compatible cryogenic memory. Long enough junctions subject to magnetic field host quantum phase 2π-singularities—Josephson vortices. Here, we report the realization of the superconducting memory cell whose state is encoded by the number of present Josephson vortices. By integrating the junction into a coplanar resonator and by applying a microwave excitation well below the critical current, we are able to control the state of the system in an energy-efficient and non-destructive manner. The memory effect arises due to the presence of the natural edge barrier for Josephson vortices. The performance of the device is evaluated, and the routes for creating scalable cryogenic memories directly compatible with superconducting microwave technologies are discussed

Superconducting Bio-Inspired Au-Nanowire-Based Neurons

High-performance modeling of neurophysiological processes is an urgent task that requires new approaches to information processing. In this context, two- and three-junction superconducting quantum interferometers with Josephson weak links based on gold nanowires are fabricated and investigated experimentally. The studied cells are proposed for the implementation of bio-inspired neurons—high-performance, energy-efficient, and compact elements of neuromorphic processor. The operation modes of an advanced artificial neuron capable of generating the burst firing activation patterns are explored theoretically. A comparison with the Izhikevich mathematical model of biological neurons is carried out

Observation of Interacting Josephson vortex chains by magnetic force microscopy

The ability to control Josephson vortices is instrumental for development of superconducting cryoelectronics. However, direct visualization of multivortex states in Josephson junctions is a challenging task. Here, we employ a magnetic force microscopy (MFM) for the analysis of planar Josephson junctions. We observe a specific MFM response, seen as a chain of small rings. By changing the applied field, we show that the number of rings is equal to the number of flux quanta in the junction. Therefore, each ring represents an individual vortex in a one-dimensional vortex chain within the junction. Our observation demonstrates that the MFM technique can be used for visualization of Josephson vortices and for probing their spatial configurations and mutual interaction

Revealing Josephson Vortex Dynamics in Proximity Junctions below Critical Current

Made of a thin non-superconducting metal (N) sandwiched by two superconductors (S), SNS Josephson junctions enable novel quantum functionalities by mixing up the intrinsic electronic properties of N with the superconducting correlations induced from S by proximity. Electronic properties of these devices are governed by Andreev quasiparticles (Andreev, A. Sov. Phys. JETP 1965, 20, 1490) which are absent in conventional SIS junctions whose insulating barrier (I) between the two S electrodes owns no electronic states. Here we focus on the Josephson vortex (JV) motion inside Nb-Cu-Nb proximity junctions subject to electric currents and magnetic fields. The results of local (magnetic force microscopy) and global (transport) experiments provided simultaneously are compared with our numerical model, revealing the existence of several distinct dynamic regimes of the JV motion. One of them, identified as a fast hysteretic entry/escape below the critical value of Josephson current, is analyzed and suggested for low-dissipative logic and memory elements