Simulations and interpretation of fractional giant Shapiro steps in two-dimensional Josephson-junction arrays

Abstract

We present simulations of two-dimensional Josephson-junction arrays to study giant Shapiro steps in these arrays. The amplitude and frequency dependence of the step widths is found to be more complex than in single junctions. The fractional step widths are found to decrease more rapidly with increasing frequency or rf current than conventional steps in single junctions. The washboard model of single junctions is extended to arrays to explain these differences between arrays and single junctions.