Popular Boards
1 Mentions
John M. Martinis, Michel Devoret, John Clarke | Physical Review Letters | (1985)
Abstract
We report the first observation of quantized energy levels for a macroscopic variable, namely the phase difference across a current-biased Josephson junction in its zero-voltage state. The position of these energy levels is in quantitative agreement with a quantum mechanical calculation based on parameters of the junction that are measured in the classical regime.
Tags
Sample Definition And Size
The study investigated Nb–NbOₓ–PbIn Josephson tunnel junctions fabricated on silicon chips, with junctions in cross-strip geometries of either 10×10 µm² or 80×10 µm². The exact number of junctions tested is not specified in the available abstract. ([studylib.net](https://studylib.net/doc/28065259/physrevlett.55.1543?utm_source=openai))
Study Type
Experimental observational study reporting the first observation of quantized energy levels in a macroscopic variable (phase difference) of a current-biased Josephson junction in its zero-voltage state. ([journals.aps.org](https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.55.1543?utm_source=openai))
Conflicts Of Interest
No conflicts of interest are declared in the accessible abstract or metadata. ([journals.aps.org](https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.55.1543?utm_source=openai))
Results Summary
The authors observed quantized energy levels of the phase difference across the junction in the zero-voltage state. The positions of these energy levels quantitatively agreed with quantum mechanical calculations based on junction parameters measured in the classical (thermal) regime. ([journals.aps.org](https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.55.1543?utm_source=openai))
Referenced In
StarTalk Show Notes
4 months ago
Created: Jan 21, 2026