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IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement

Non-Conventional PJVS Exploiting First and Second Steps to Reduce Junctions and Bias Lines

Paolo Durandetto, A. Sosso

Published Apr 29, 2019• 6 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Quantum digital-to-analog converters (DACs) based on programmable Josephson array [Programmable Josephson Voltage Standard (PJVS)] represent the most widely used quantum standard in ac voltage calibrations. The extension of PJVS frequency above the kilohertz range appears to be arduous; however, some enhancements are still practicable. In this work, we demonstrate the possibility to advantageously operate a conventional binary-divided PJVS array with a reduced number of bias lines. This feature is achieved by exploiting both the first and the second Shapiro steps along with nonconventional DAC codings. Two newly devised bias techniques are described in detail and preliminary experimental tests on waveform synthesis have been carried out and are presented here.

DOI
10.1109/tim.2019.2913717

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Quantum digital-to-analog converters (DACs) based on programmable Josephson array [Programmable Josephson Voltage Standard (PJVS)] represent the most widely used quantum standard in ac voltage calibrations. The extension of PJVS frequency above the kilohertz range appears to be arduous; however, some enhancements are still practicable. In this work, we demonstrate the possibility to advantageously operate a conventional binary-divided PJVS array with a reduced number of bias lines. This feature is achieved by exploiting both the first and the second Shapiro steps along with nonconventional DAC codings. Two newly devised bias techniques are described in detail and preliminary experimental tests on waveform synthesis have been carried out and are presented here.
Quantum Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) based on programmable Josephson array (PJVS) represent the most advanced devices currently employed in ac voltage calibrations. Pulse-driven Josephson technology, compared to PJVS, provides cleaner and faster voltage signals and is the main topic of frontier developments. Although the extension of PJVS frequency range appears to be arduous, some enhancement are still practicable. In this work we demonstrate the possibility of synthesizing stepwise quantum voltage waveforms with half of the bias lines and fewer Josephson junctions by exploiting both first and second Shapiro steps, with no losses in terms of performances.
An alternating programmable Josephson voltage standard (AC-PJVS) configured as a multibit digital-to-analog converter has been developed to explore the staircase-approximated waveforms synthesis at frequencies up to the acoustic range. The AC-PJVS setup is based on state-of-the-art modular electronics able to bias individually the subsections of a binary-divided array consisting of 8192 intrinsically shunted SNIS junctions. High order Shapiro steps have been employed for waveform synthesis having amplitude beyond 1 V by finely trimming the SNIS temperature using a two stage cryocooler. Alongside the experiments on the synthesis, the experimental setup was improved for direct comparisons between quantum staircase waves and conventional sine waves based on the use of a room temperature-operating phase sensitive detector and on a differential precision sampling system. Both methods maximize the accuracy obtained from the AC-PJVS synthesizer, allowing, in principle, its use for primary LF AC voltage metrology.
We propose a new method for transient-error-free AC voltage waveform synthesis using a programmable Josephson voltage standard (PJVS) array. Stepwise-approximated sinusoidal waveforms generated using PJVS can be potential tools for AC voltage calibration or related applications. However, the transient error caused by the transitions between quantized voltage steps is a crucial problem for some applications. By driving a PJVS array using high-speed periodical pulse packets and conventional DC biases, the influence of the transitions can essentially be eliminated. This paper describes the basic idea of our new method for driving a PJVS array.
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 Josephson primary DC voltage standard is very successful quantum standard. Recently it has become possible to divide Josephson arrays up into binary segments, thereby creating the possibility of developing a digital to analogue converter with quantum accuracy. These new arrays are based upon non-hysteretic Josephson junctions, which allow the voltage to be changed almost instantaneously. In this paper we will investigate the properties of two different types of Josephson arrays, one type is an intrinsically shunted array of junctions or so-called SINIS array, while the second type is externally shunted via small on-chip resistors. The arrays are biased using a purpose built computer controlled bias source discussed in a separate paper in this conference. We will discuss the accuracy of the generated voltage and investigate the ac properties.
Arrays of Josephson junctions have been used successfully for many years as the primary standard of voltage. A recent development has been the fabrication of arrays, based on non-hysteretic Josephson junctions, which allows the voltage output to be changed almost instantaneously. When these arrays are divided into binary segments a ‘digital-to-analogue converter’ with quantum accuracy is created. The properties of two types of array, a SINIS array, using intrinsic shunting of the Josephson junctions, and a SIS array with external, on-chip shunting have been investigated. The accuracy of the generated voltages and AC properties of the arrays when driven with a purpose-built, programmable current bias source are discussed. It is anticipated that a Josephson standard having waveforms with calculable rms values of AC voltage will soon be available.