Quantum Phase Dynamics in an LC shunted Josephson Junction

TL;DR

This study explores how an LC shunt circuit affects Josephson junction dynamics, revealing two resonant modes and implications for quantum bit design through combined theoretical and experimental analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of LC shunted Josephson junctions, demonstrating the influence of the shell circuit on energy scales and system dynamics, validated by spectroscopic measurements.

Findings

Identification of two energy scales differing from plasma frequency

Observation of two resonant modes in the system

Excellent agreement between theory and experiment

Abstract

We have studied both theoretically and experimentally how an LC series circuit connected in parallel to a Josephson junction influences the Josephson dynamics. The presence of the shell circuit introduces two energy scales, which in specific cases can strongly differ from the plasma frequency of the isolated junction. Josephson junctions were manufactured using Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb fabrication technology with various on-chip LC shunt circuits. Spectroscopic measurements in the quantum limit show an excellent agreement with theory taking into account the shunt inductance and capacitance in the Resistively and Capacitively Shunted Junction model. The results clearly show that the dynamics of the system are two-dimensional, resulting in two resonant modes of the system. These findings have important implications for the design and operation of Josephson junctions based quantum bits.