The amplitudes of the first Shapiro steps for an external signal with frequencies of 72 and 265 GHz are measured as function of the temperature from 20 to 80 K for a 6 μm Josephson grain boundary junction fabricated by YBaCuO film deposition on an yttria-stabilized zirconia bicrystal substrate. Non-monotonic dependences of step heights for different external signal frequencies were found in the limit of a weak driving signal, with the maxima occurring at different points as function of the temperature. The step heights are in agreement with the calculations based on the resistively-capacitively shunted junction model and Bessel theory. The emergence of the receiving optima is explained by the mutual influence of the varying critical current and the characteristic frequency.
The amplitudes of the first Shapiro steps for an external signal with frequencies of 72 and 265 GHz are measured as function of the temperature from 20 to 80 K for a 6 μm Josephson grain boundary junction fabricated by YBaCuO film deposition on an yttria-stabilized zirconia bicrystal substrate. Non-monotonic dependences of step heights for different external signal frequencies were found in the limit of a weak driving signal, with the maxima occurring at different points as function of the temperature. The step heights are in agreement with the calculations based on the resistively-capacitively shunted junction model and Bessel theory. The emergence of the receiving optima is explained by the mutual influence of the varying critical current and the characteristic frequency.
For Josephson bicrystal YBaCuO junctions 3–1.5 µm in size, the response to an external signal with a frequency of 165 GHz was measured. Receivers with similar ICRN values at helium temperatures and different RN values were chosen for the study. The amplitudes of the Shapiro steps were measured for various external signal powers and sample temperatures. The dependence of the output voltage noise on the operating point, temperature, and external signal power was measured. It is shown that fluctuations of the critical current have the greatest influence on the output noise of the receiver. The volt-watt responsivity and noise-equivalent power were evaluated for a 165 GHz external signal. The experimental results are compared with numerical calculations based on the model of a resistive-capacitive shunted Josephson junction. Optimal temperature operating ranges for the use of each structure were shown.
For Josephson bicrystal YBaCuO junctions 3-1.5 μm in size, the response to an external signal was measured. Receivers with similar IcRN values at helium temperatures and different RNvalues were considered. The amplitudes of the Shapiro steps were measured for various external signal powers. The dependence of the output voltage noise on structure temperature was measured. It is shown that fluctuations of the critical current have the greatest influence on the output noise of the receiver. The volt-watt sensitivity and noise-equivalent power were evaluated for a 165 GHz external signal. Broadband classical detection of THz radiation by a YBaCuO Josephson junction (JJ) was studied based on resistively and capacitively shunted Josephson Junction model. Optimal temperature operating ranges for the use of each structure were shown.
We demonstrate current-step-like structures observed in a YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ (YBCO) grain boundary Josephson junction (GBJJ) coupled to a gigahertz (GHz) signal. It is well known that a microwave-current-driven Josephson junction does not exhibit clear Shapiro steps under a low frequency condition of f << I c R n /ϕ 0 , where f , I c , R n , and ϕ 0 are the microwave frequency, the critical current of the junction, the normal resistance of the junction, and a flux quantum, respectively. Instead of Shapiro steps, however, we often observe an anomalous upturn in the current-voltage curve of YBCO GBJJ's coupled to a GHz signal. We refer to the upturn as a current-step-like structure. Numerical analysis using an rf-field-driven two-junction superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) model indicates that the envelope of small Shapiro steps, including the effects of microwave-induced motion of flux quanta, appears as a current-step-like structure.
The application of high temperature superconductor Josephson junctions to voltage metrology is promising for many reasons, beyond the evident advantage of simplified cryogenics and reduced costs of the apparatus. Owing to their intrinsic non-hysteretic behavior, arrays of shunted bicrystal YBCO junctions are particularly interesting for the realization of an AC voltage standard with quantum accuracy. Moreover, shunted bicrystal YBCO junctions arrays are advantageous because of the reduced area of the junctions, the wide range of characteristic voltages, and large critical currents. However, some specific problems arise, like possible effects related to the higher operating temperature. Furthermore, fabrication technology sets tight constraints on the design of structures for the distribution of microwave currents along the array junctions. We investigated the step properties under millimeter wave irradiation at frequencies about 75 GHz of HTS junction and arrays prepared on bicrystal substrates having grain boundaries. High sensitivity techniques were adopted to evaluate the step flatness at nV level and assess the accuracy of the step voltage. A new method that makes use of an open resonator, was implemented to irradiate the array, providing synchronization of a large number of junctions.
We have studied the far infrared behavior of high -T/sub c/ superconductor-normal metal-superconductor (SNS) microbridges with T/sub c/>85 K and critical current-resistance products (I/sub c/R/sub N/) as high as 10 mV at 4 K. These are the highest I/sub c/R/sub N/ products reported to date for microfabricated Josephson junctions of any material. The junctions were integrated at the feeds of planar log-periodic antennas made from Au thin films. The junctions had dc normal state resistances R/sub N/ between 6 and 38 /spl Omega/, reasonably well matched to the antenna's estimated RF impedance of 53 /spl Omega/. Far infrared laser radiation at 404, 760, and 992 GHz induced distinct Shapiro steps (i.e. constant voltage steps at voltages n(hf/2e), n=1,2,...) in the current voltage characteristics as well as modulation of the critical current. Steps were observed at voltages up to 17 mV and 6 mV, at temperatures of 9 K and 57 K respectively. This corresponds to maximum Josephson oscillation frequencies of 8 and 3 THz at these temperatures. These are the first far infrared measurements performed on high T/sub c/ junctions. Measurements of the power, frequency, and temperature dependence of the Shapiro steps are presented and discussed in the context of a resistively and capacitively shunted junction (RCSJ) model. A value of 4.5 fF for the junction capacitance is inferred from the hysteresis of the slightly underdamped current-voltage characteristics.>
We have studied the far infrared behavior of high -T/sub c/ superconductor-normal metal-superconductor (SNS) microbridges with T/sub c/>85 K and critical current-resistance products (I/sub c/R/sub N/) as high as 10 mV at 4 K. These are the highest I/sub c/R/sub N/ products reported to date for microfabricated Josephson junctions of any material. The junctions were integrated at the feeds of planar log-periodic antennas made from Au thin films. The junctions had dc normal state resistances R/sub N/ between 6 and 38 /spl Omega/, reasonably well matched to the antenna's estimated RF impedance of 53 /spl Omega/. Far infrared laser radiation at 404, 760, and 992 GHz induced distinct Shapiro steps (i.e. constant voltage steps at voltages n(hf/2e), n=1,2,...) in the current voltage characteristics as well as modulation of the critical current. Steps were observed at voltages up to 17 mV and 6 mV, at temperatures of 9 K and 57 K respectively. This corresponds to maximum Josephson oscillation frequencies of 8 and 3 THz at these temperatures. These are the first far infrared measurements performed on high T/sub c/ junctions. Measurements of the power, frequency, and temperature dependence of the Shapiro steps are presented and discussed in the context of a resistively and capacitively shunted junction (RCSJ) model. A value of 4.5 fF for the junction capacitance is inferred from the hysteresis of the slightly underdamped current-voltage characteristics. >