Reproducible Step-Edge Josephson Junction

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This invention describes an improved, reproducible method for fabricating high-temperature superconducting Josephson junctions using a step-edge structure on a substrate. The key innovation is to precisely control the orientation of the crystalline axes (a- and/or b-axes) of the superconducting layer relative to the grain boundary created at the step edge, by means of substrate texturing and specially designed buffer or seed layers. This ensures maximal supercurrent and enhanced reliability, overcoming previous problems of inconsistent junction performance and low production yield.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Sensitive magnetic field sensors such as SQUIDs (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices) for medical imaging (e.g., MEG), geophysical surveys, or fundamental research.
• Terahertz (THz) radiation detectors and generators for spectroscopy, non-destructive testing, or security scanning.
• High-precision superconducting electronics for quantum computing, metrology, or low-noise amplification.
• Radiation and photon detection in scientific instrumentation.
• Development of standard reference junctions for calibrating superconducting circuits.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides highly reproducible Josephson junctions with reduced production variability.
• Enables higher supercurrent and lower noise through optimal crystal orientation.
• Improves scalability and commercial viability of Josephson-based superconducting electronic devices.
• Reduces material defects and contamination via engineered buffer and seed layers.
• Enhances device performance with better-defined junction characteristics, leading to more sensitive and reliable superconducting sensors and detectors.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic component with a Josephson junction and to a production method. The component comprises a substrate (1.1) with at least one step edge in the substrate surface and a layer which is arranged on said substrate and which is made of a high-temperature superconductive material (1.4). The layer has a grain boundary (1.5) at the step edge, said grain boundary forming the one or two weak link(s) of the Josephson junction. According to the invention, the a- and/or b-crystal axes on the plane of the high-temperature superconductive layer are made to run perpendicularly to the grain boundary with a maximum tolerance of 10° on both sides of the step edge by texturing the substrate and/or at least one buffer layer arranged between the substrate and the high-temperature superconductive layer. This can be technically implemented by growing the HTSC layer in a graphoepitaxial manner for example. By orienting the same crystal axis perpendicularly to the step edge on each side of the step edge, a maximum supercurrent can flow across the grain boundary induced by the step edge and thus across the Josephson junction.