Revealing Josephson Vortex Dynamics in Proximity Junctions below Critical Current

Made of a thin non-superconducting metal (N) sandwiched by two superconductors (S), SNS Josephson junctions enable novel quantum functionalities by mixing up the intrinsic electronic properties of N with the superconducting correlations induced from S by proximity. Electronic properties of these devices are governed by Andreev quasiparticles (Andreev, A. Sov. Phys. JETP 1965, 20, 1490) which are absent in conventional SIS junctions whose insulating barrier (I) between the two S electrodes owns no electronic states. Here we focus on the Josephson vortex (JV) motion inside Nb-Cu-Nb proximity junctions subject to electric currents and magnetic fields. The results of local (magnetic force microscopy) and global (transport) experiments provided simultaneously are compared with our numerical model, revealing the existence of several distinct dynamic regimes of the JV motion. One of them, identified as a fast hysteretic entry/escape below the critical value of Josephson current, is analyzed and suggested for low-dissipative logic and memory elements.

Automated summary

SNS Josephson junctions, made of a thin non-superconducting metal sandwiched by two superconductors, enable novel quantum functionalities by mixing the intrinsic electronic properties of the metal with the superconducting correlations induced by proximity. The electronic properties of these devices are governed by Andreev quasiparticles, which are absent in conventional junctions. In Nb-Cu-Nb proximity junctions, the motion of Josephson vortices under electric currents and magnetic fields exhibits distinct dynamic regimes.