Time domain analysis of dynamical switching in a Josephson junction

TL;DR

This paper investigates the complex dynamical switching behavior of small Josephson junctions through experiments and simulations, demonstrating a bias pulse method for rapid detection despite bandwidth and current limitations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel bias pulse-and-hold technique for fast switching detection in Josephson junctions, accounting for frequency-dependent damping effects.

Findings

Effective bias pulse method enables rapid switching detection.

Switching involves transitions between dynamical states influenced by damping.

Simulation and experimental results agree on switching behavior patterns.

Abstract

We have studied the switching behaviour of a small capacitance Josephson junction both in experiment, and by numerical simulation of a model circuit. The switching is a comples process involving the transition between two dynamical states of the non-linear circuit, arising from a frequency dependent damping of the Josephson junction. We show how a specific type of bias pulse-and-hold, can result in a fast detection of switching, even when the measurement bandwidth of the junction voltage is severely limited, and/or the level of the switching current is rather low.