Novel Applications of Josephson Junctions in Quantum Digital Circuits (PiShift)

Summary

This programme is aimed to establish a European platform for groups working on novel applications of Josephson junctions in quantum digital devices, exploiting hereby in particular the remarkable properties of pi-Josephson junctions. Compared to standard Josephson junctions, pi-junctions are biased in their groundstate by a pi phase shift of the superconducting order parameter. This phase shift can be established by various means, as has been shown and is investigated by the groups involved in this programme. Utilizing their unique properties, pi-Josephson junctions have been suggested as central elements for new classes of superconducting devices, ranging from digital electronic circuits extending the Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ)-architecture, to qubits for quantum computation.

Duration

5 years, from January 2001 to end April 2006.