A Cross-Type SNS Junction Array for a Quantum-Based Arbitrary Waveform Synthesizer

Abstract

Central to quantum-based arbitrary waveform synthesizers is a Josephson junction array driven by short pulses. Its linear dimensions should be small compared to the line wavelength in order to generate an ac voltage with quantum accuracy. Therefore, we use coplanar strip transmission lines to integrate a large number of cross-type SNS Josephson junctions into multiple parallel arrays. First measurements show that a circuit with 1,760 junctions exhibits Shapiro steps over a large frequency range. By using pulse driving the chip generates unipolar voltages up to 6.4 mV at a clock frequency of 3.5 GHz, the maximum frequency of the available pulse pattern generator.