Observation of vortex structures in Josephson junctions by laser scanning

Journal Article · Sun May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · IEEE Trans. Magn.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/TMAG.1983.1062438· OSTI ID:5626202

Lhota, J; Chen, J; Kvo, P; Schevermann, M

By scanning a focused laser beam (diameter about 20 ..mu..m and < 1 mW) on Josephson tunnel junctions, the authors observed variations in the zero-voltage current as a function of beam position. They believe that the laser beam at the appropriate power levels serves as a direct probe of the current distribution in the junction. Two types of factors contribute to the non-uniformity of the current distribution. The first is related to the intrinsic non-uniformity of the junction and the second is due to external parameters such as applied magnetic field and temperature. Using this technique, the authors have directly observed the formation of vortices in a junction in a magnetic field.

• Research Organization: Dept. of Physics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202
• OSTI ID: 5626202
• Journal Information: IEEE Trans. Magn.; (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Trans. Magn.; (United States) Vol. 19:3; ISSN IEMGA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

420201* -- Engineering-- Cryogenic Equipment &amp; Devices
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BEAM MONITORS
BEAM POSITION
BEAM SCANNERS
CURRENT DENSITY
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
HETEROGENEOUS EFFECTS
JOSEPHSON JUNCTIONS
JUNCTIONS
LASERS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC FLUX
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MONITORS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SUPERCONDUCTING JUNCTIONS
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
TUNNEL EFFECT