Numerical investigation for the frequency dependence of Shapiro steps in an RF-field-driven SQUID
Yoshinao Mizugaki
Shapiro steps in an RF-field-driven dc-SQUID (RFDS), where an RF signal is coupled to the SQUID loop magnetically, are numerically investigated. We calculate the current–voltage characteristics of RFDSs under no dc offset flux, which show the enhancement of the even-order Shapiro steps. First, the maximum second (the lowest even-order) step height is evaluated as a function of the normalized frequency Ω. In the case of the inductance parameter βL ≥ 1.0, the maximum second step height is maintained at a certain value in the low frequency region. In the case of βL < 1.0, on the other hand, the maximum step height decreases in the low frequency region of Ω < 0.10. The dependence of the current positions of the step upon the RF signal amplitude shows that the voltage transition at the non-superconductive area between the superconducting interference lobes limits the upper current position of the step.
Superconductor Science and Technology•Nov 5, 2003•2 citations