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IBM Journal of Research and Development

Overview of Josephson Technology Logic and Memory

Juri Matisoo

Published Mar 1, 1980• 45 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This paper serves as an introduction to the other logic and memory papers in this issue. Basic concepts of superconductivity and electron tunneling underlying the operation of Josephson devices are outlined and an overview of the literature on the subject is presented, with emphasis on work performed at the IBM research laboratories since the beginnings of the Josephson computer technology program in 1965.

DOI
10.1147/rd.242.0113

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IBM Journal of Research and Development•Mar 1, 1980•35 citations
This paper serves as an introduction to the other logic and memory papers in this issue. Basic concepts of superconductivity and electron tunneling underlying the operation of Josephson devices are outlined and an overview of the literature on the subject is presented, with emphasis on work performed at the IBM research laboratories since the beginnings of the Josephson computer technology program in 1965.
The potential of a new technology, based on the superconducting Josephson tunneling effect, has been assessed for use in high-speed computer systems. Josephson tunneling circuits for memory and logic functions can be switched at sub-nanosecond delay, do not require standby power, and dissipate extremely low energy, typically less than 10-13joule during fast switching operation. High-speed circuits with high packing densities, not limited by power dissipation problems, can therefore be expected. Low thermal noise at cryogenic temperatures ensures reliable operation despite the low energy switching signal. Practically lossless signal transmission via superconducting lines can be exploited for high-speed operation even when sizeable memory and logic modules are assembled. Two random access memory modules have been designed on the basis of single device experiments. Operational characteristics leading to the conclusion that 30 Mbit capacity, less than 1 watt refrigeration requirement (at 3.6° K) and cycle times of 40 ns (in one case) and 15 ns (in the second case), can be achieved are presented.
Abstract Superconductivity manifests macroscopic quantum phenomena. A superconducting circuit composed of Josephson junctions, Cooper pair boxes, and rf-/dc-SQUID, properly miniaturized, becomes quantized and demonstrates Rabi oscillations and entanglement. In this paper, we offer an overview of this approach. We begin with an introduction of the history and elementary theory of superconductivity. Then we describe the building blocks of superconducting classical circuits and derive their canonical quantizations. The set-up of qubits and superconducting quantum logic gates are then examined. Finally, ways to make measurements are discussed.
The superconducting tunnel effect predicted by Brian Josephson in 1962 is looking increasingly promising for another very practical application—as logic and memory circuits for computers. Josephson-junction circuits are capable of high switching speeds (50–100 picosec have already been obtained). And because such circuits operate at voltages comparable to the superconducting energy gap, the heat generated is typically microwatts, thousands of times lower than high-speed transistor circuits. The diminished heat-removal problem allows one to pack the Josephson circuits much closer than semiconductor circuits. Once high switching speeds are achieved, this packability becomes extremely important because then the major limitation on computer speed is how fast the electrical signal takes to move from one circuit to another.
The goal of this program is to explore advanced alternatives to the standard approaches to memory in Josephson junction digital electronics. The work includes the physics, circuits and systems aspects of the problem. It is widely recognized that memory is the weak suit of digital superconductive electronics. There are several problems. They are hard to build, particularly at high densities. Their speed is being challenged by leading edge semiconductor memories, albeit at the expense of high power dissipation. They are susceptible to trapped flux, which is both random in space and likely varying in time. All the current approaches to memory are based on the concept of storage of magnetic flux in a superconducting ring first proposed over 25 years ago by Anacker. Basically, there have been no new ideas in superconductive memory since that time.