NIST researchers have developed a new type of Josephson junction that could significantly increase the speed and density of superconducting circuits. These junctions, made from niobium and amorphous silicon, can operate at higher frequencies and smaller sizes than traditional aluminum oxide barriers.
The new junctions, which are key components in superconducting circuits used for quantum computing, communication, and high-speed digital computing, could enable more compact and powerful devices. The team demonstrated that these junctions can be made smaller than 100 nanometers while maintaining high performance.
The breakthrough comes from a combination of high-quality niobium junctions with amorphous-silicon barriers and a 300°C annealing process that increases critical currents without degrading the junctions. This could make the technology more manufacturable and scalable for future quantum and digital computing applications.
Keywords: Josephson, Superconducting, Junctions, Nanometers, Quantum
