Cascade switching current detectors based on arrays of Josephson junctions
Autor(in); Institution
Cattaneo, Roger; University, AlbaNova University Center, Department of Physics, Stockholm Stockholm, SWEDEN
Efimov, Artemii E.; University, AlbaNova University Center, Department of Physics, Stockholm Stockholm, SWEDEN; University of Basel, Department of Physics, Basel, SWITZERLAND
Shiianov, Kirill I.; University, AlbaNova University Center, Department of Physics, Stockholm Stockholm, SWEDEN
Cascade multiplication is widely used to enhance photon detector sensitivity. While vacuum tube and semiconductor photomultipliers achieve high gains in the optical range, their performance at lower frequencies is limited by large work functions. Superconducting detectors overcome this constraint, enabling operation in the terahertz (THz) and microwave (MW) ranges. Here we introduce a concept of cascade-amplified superconducting detectors based on Josephson junction arrays. Interjunction coupling in an array triggers avalanche-like switching of multiple junctions upon photon absorption, resulting in cascade amplification of the readout voltage and an increased signal-to-noise ratio. We present prototypes using either low-Tc linear Nb/NbxSi1−x/Nb arrays or Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ high-Tc stacked intrinsic Josephson junctions. BothMWand THz responses are analyzed and the advantages of the cascade detector over a conventional single-junction detector are demonstrated. Our findings suggest that Josephson junction arrays hold promise for the development of highly sensitive, broadband MW-to-THz detectors.
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Rechteinformation
CC BY 4.0 ; Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
Themenbereich der Metrologie
Elektrizität und Magnetismus
Zitierung
Cattaneo, R., Efimov, A. E., Shiianov, K. I., Kieler, O., & Krasnov, V. M. (2025). Cascade switching current detectors based on arrays of Josephson junctions. Nature Communications, 16, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-63360-y
