2 research outputs found
Mobile kinks and half-integer zero-field-like steps in highly discrete alternating Josephson junction arrays
The dynamics of a one-dimensional, highly discrete, linear array of
alternating and Josephson junctions is studied numerically, under
constant bias current at zero magnetic field. The calculated current - voltage
characteristics exhibit half-integer and integer zero-field-like steps for even
and odd total number of junctions, respectively. Inspection of the
instantaneous phases reveals that, in the former case, single kink
excitations (discrete semi-fluxons) are supported, whose propagation in the
array gives rise to the step, while in the latter case, a pair of
kink -- antikink appears, whose propagation gives rise to the
step. When additional kinks are inserted in the array, they are
subjected to fractionalization, transforming themselves into two closely spaced
kinks. As they propagate in the array along with the single kink or
the kink - antikink pair, they give rise to higher half-integer or
integer zero-field-like steps, respectively.Comment: 7 pages, 8 figures, submitted to Supercond. Sci. Techno