Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

A pulse-driven Josephson arbitrary waveform synthesis system as a quantum AC voltage standard in KRISS

Yonuk Chong, Woon Young Song, Jung-Suk Choi, Mun-Seog Kim, Wan-Seop Kim, Kyu-Tae Kim, Se II Park

Published Jun 1, 2010• 3 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We report our progress in the Josephson arbitrary waveform synthesis system in KRISS. The system is based on the pulse-driven Josephson junction array, and currently we routinely produce arbitrary waveforms up to 100 mVrms amplitude with distortions smaller than 100 dBc. Precision waveform synthesis results are presented. Our future works will include AC-DC thermal transfer measurement and quantum noise source for Johnson noise thermometry.

DOI
10.1109/cpem.2010.5545113

Related papers

Quantum-Derived Voltage Waveform Synthesis With Pulse-Driven High-Transition-Temperature Josephson Junctions

Adam C. Weis, Nathan E. Flowers-Jacobs, S. J. Berkowitz +2 more

Microwave-driven Josephson junction arrays are the basis for dc and ac voltage standards, whose accuracy derives from quantized voltage pulses. These pulses are also used to synthesize voltage-noise reference signals that are used in noise thermometry systems. This article describes our recent demonstration of voltage synthesis in a high-transition-temperature YBa2Cu3O7-δjunction circuit.

IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity•Jul 8, 2020•1 citation

Josephson-based quantum voltage standards – an ongoing success story

Ralf Behr, Stephan Bauer, Marco Kraus +2 more

The past few decades have witnessed great progress being made from the first voltage standards based on arrays of Josephson junctions. Continuous improvements in the fabrication process have increased the quality and “user-friendliness” of these superconducting circuits. Combined with the improvements in measuring electronics, the range of applications of Josephson-based measurements with unmatched precision has extended from DC into AC voltage metrology for signal frequencies up to 500 kHz. In this poster we will present several Josephson-based measurement systems developed for metrology applications. Two versions of quantum AC standards will be used as Josephson references: Programmable Josephson Voltage Standards (PJVS), which are based on serial arrays with up to 300,000 Josephson junctions, and pulse-driven arrays with more than 50,000 junctions, typically referred to as Josephson Arbitrary Waveform Synthesizers (JAWS). PJVS can reach amplitudes of up to 80 V, while pulse-driven arrays can reach up to 1 V or even 4 V. The advantage of pulse-driven Josephson voltage standards is that they are ideally suited as quantum-based voltage synthesizers for arbitrary waveforms or sine waves with high spectral purity. Therefore, they can be used directly to characterize or calibrate ADCs. In addition, JAWS are particularly useful in Josephson impedance bridges, which perform automated impedance calibrations at the 10-9 uncertainty level over a wide frequency range from 50 Hz to 80 kHz in a single bridge. We will further show how PJVS are used in commercial quantum voltmeters for DC and AC voltages and are typically used as quantum voltage references in measurement systems. Using differential sampling based on PJVS, uncertainties at the level of a few parts in 108 for frequencies up to the kHz range can be achieved. Such quantum-based AC voltage calibrations are at least 30 times faster than conventional AC-DC transfer and offer even better uncertainties. This idea has been quickly adopted by many National Metrology Institutes to establish such systems for AC voltage calibrations. As an example, the BIPM will now start worldwide onsite comparisons to ensure the uniformity of the new method which we introduced in 2006. But developments continue. Recently, a sub-sampling technique was used to extend the frequency range of the AC quantum voltmeter to up to 100 kHz with uncertainties below 5 parts in 106. In addition, a novel method, also for differential sampling, enables the measurement of arbitrary waveforms and the calibration of specific tones. Our poster will provide an overview of these Josephson-based metrological applications and present the latest developments from this fast-developing area.

•Jan 1, 2025•0 citations

Pulse-Driven Josephson Junction Arrays for High-Precision AC-Voltage Synthesis of Unipolar and Bipolar Waveforms

M. Schubert, G. Wende, T. May +5 more

The paper is about development of the lumped Josephson junction arrays (JJAs) for the generation of accurate quantum-based ac voltages. By using semiconductor pattern generators, it was possible to synthesize unipolar and bipolar waveforms with amplitudes of almost 10 mV and frequencies of up to 122 kHz. Higher harmonics and other unwanted noise signals were suppressed by -90 dBc. Because of the unique layout of our JJA, it was possible to connect the circuit directly to the ground, thereby eliminating common-mode signals

IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement•Mar 16, 2007•3 citations

Pulse-Driven High- TC Josephson Junctions for Quantum Voltage Devices

Adam C. Weis, Nathan E. Flowers-Jacobs, E.Y. Cho +6 more

Josephson junction arrays are the basis for quantum-accurate dc and ac voltage standards, including artificial voltage-noise references used in noise thermometry. I will describe our recent progress towards voltage synthesis using high-transition-temperature YBCO junctions.

IEEE International Superconductive Electronics Conference (ISEC)•Jul 1, 2019•0 citations

Combining Josephson Systems for Spectrally Pure AC Waveforms With Large Amplitudes

Ralf Behr, Oliver Kieler, Detlef Schleubner +2 more

We present the combination of two Josephson waveform synthesizers to generate waveforms with low harmonic distortion [below$-$110 dBc (carrier)] and amplitudes above the 1-V level. Fast and flexible code programming enables pulse-driven Josephson arrays to synthesize arbitrary waveforms. We have used the pulse-driven system to cancel the harmonic content from the binary array that can reach 1-V amplitudes. The quantum nature of the Josephson synthesizer ensures very stable amplitudes (better than$6 \times 10^{-8}$) and no frequency drift. This performance, together with the ability to synthesize arbitrary waveforms, can make this synthesizer a relevant tool for characterizing precision electronics and ac voltage metrology.

IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement•Feb 11, 2013•17 citations

Towards a He-Free Source of Arbitrary Quantum Voltage Signals

Paolo Durandetto, E. Monticone, Bruno Trinchera +1 more

The Josephson effect is worldwide exploited as the basis for constant reference voltages in National Metrological Institutes (NMIs) and in industry calibration laboratories. Lately, voltage metrology research has been mainly directed towards the application of Josephson effect for the synthesis of very accurate ac and arbitrary voltage signals: pulse-driven Josephson arrays represent the most promising way for linking ac voltage calibrations to a quantum phenomenon. Furthermore, an easy and secure cooling system based on cryocoolers is desirable in order to allow the spread of Josephson standards outside NMIs. A Gifford-McMahon cryocooler is currently in use at INRiM for the operation of ac-Josephson Voltage Standards (JVSs). We employed pulse-driven JVSs for synthesizing sine waves with frequency in the kHz range and amplitudes in the mV range, with distortion around 80 dBc. In this report we present a detailed description of this technique and of the refrigeration system employed.

IEEE International Superconductive Electronics Conference (ISEC)•Jun 1, 2017•0 citations
We report our progress in the Josephson arbitrary waveform synthesis system in KRISS. The system is based on the pulse-driven Josephson junction array, and currently we routinely produce arbitrary waveforms up to 100 mVrms amplitude with distortions smaller than 100 dBc. Precision waveform synthesis results are presented. Our future works will include AC-DC thermal transfer measurement and quantum noise source for Johnson noise thermometry.
The past few decades have witnessed great progress being made from the first voltage standards based on arrays of Josephson junctions. Continuous improvements in the fabrication process have increased the quality and “user-friendliness” of these superconducting circuits. Combined with the improvements in measuring electronics, the range of applications of Josephson-based measurements with unmatched precision has extended from DC into AC voltage metrology for signal frequencies up to 500 kHz. In this poster we will present several Josephson-based measurement systems developed for metrology applications. Two versions of quantum AC standards will be used as Josephson references: Programmable Josephson Voltage Standards (PJVS), which are based on serial arrays with up to 300,000 Josephson junctions, and pulse-driven arrays with more than 50,000 junctions, typically referred to as Josephson Arbitrary Waveform Synthesizers (JAWS). PJVS can reach amplitudes of up to 80 V, while pulse-driven arrays can reach up to 1 V or even 4 V. The advantage of pulse-driven Josephson voltage standards is that they are ideally suited as quantum-based voltage synthesizers for arbitrary waveforms or sine waves with high spectral purity. Therefore, they can be used directly to characterize or calibrate ADCs. In addition, JAWS are particularly useful in Josephson impedance bridges, which perform automated impedance calibrations at the 10-9 uncertainty level over a wide frequency range from 50 Hz to 80 kHz in a single bridge. We will further show how PJVS are used in commercial quantum voltmeters for DC and AC voltages and are typically used as quantum voltage references in measurement systems. Using differential sampling based on PJVS, uncertainties at the level of a few parts in 108 for frequencies up to the kHz range can be achieved. Such quantum-based AC voltage calibrations are at least 30 times faster than conventional AC-DC transfer and offer even better uncertainties. This idea has been quickly adopted by many National Metrology Institutes to establish such systems for AC voltage calibrations. As an example, the BIPM will now start worldwide onsite comparisons to ensure the uniformity of the new method which we introduced in 2006. But developments continue. Recently, a sub-sampling technique was used to extend the frequency range of the AC quantum voltmeter to up to 100 kHz with uncertainties below 5 parts in 106. In addition, a novel method, also for differential sampling, enables the measurement of arbitrary waveforms and the calibration of specific tones. Our poster will provide an overview of these Josephson-based metrological applications and present the latest developments from this fast-developing area.
The paper is about development of the lumped Josephson junction arrays (JJAs) for the generation of accurate quantum-based ac voltages. By using semiconductor pattern generators, it was possible to synthesize unipolar and bipolar waveforms with amplitudes of almost 10 mV and frequencies of up to 122 kHz. Higher harmonics and other unwanted noise signals were suppressed by -90 dBc. Because of the unique layout of our JJA, it was possible to connect the circuit directly to the ground, thereby eliminating common-mode signals
We present the combination of two Josephson waveform synthesizers to generate waveforms with low harmonic distortion [below$-$110 dBc (carrier)] and amplitudes above the 1-V level. Fast and flexible code programming enables pulse-driven Josephson arrays to synthesize arbitrary waveforms. We have used the pulse-driven system to cancel the harmonic content from the binary array that can reach 1-V amplitudes. The quantum nature of the Josephson synthesizer ensures very stable amplitudes (better than6×10−86 \times 10^{-8}6×10−8) and no frequency drift. This performance, together with the ability to synthesize arbitrary waveforms, can make this synthesizer a relevant tool for characterizing precision electronics and ac voltage metrology.
The Josephson effect is worldwide exploited as the basis for constant reference voltages in National Metrological Institutes (NMIs) and in industry calibration laboratories. Lately, voltage metrology research has been mainly directed towards the application of Josephson effect for the synthesis of very accurate ac and arbitrary voltage signals: pulse-driven Josephson arrays represent the most promising way for linking ac voltage calibrations to a quantum phenomenon. Furthermore, an easy and secure cooling system based on cryocoolers is desirable in order to allow the spread of Josephson standards outside NMIs. A Gifford-McMahon cryocooler is currently in use at INRiM for the operation of ac-Josephson Voltage Standards (JVSs). We employed pulse-driven JVSs for synthesizing sine waves with frequency in the kHz range and amplitudes in the mV range, with distortion around 80 dBc. In this report we present a detailed description of this technique and of the refrigeration system employed.