Nanotechnology for Next-Generation Josephson Voltage Standards

Published

August 30, 2000

Author(s)

Samuel P. Benz, Paul D. Dresselhaus, Charles J. Burroughs

Abstract

We have developed two voltage standard systems: the programmable Josephson voltage standard and the Josephson arbitrary waveform synthesizer. The programmable system is fully automated and provides stable programmable DC voltages from -1.2 V to +1.2 V. The synthesizer is the first quantum-based AC voltage standrd source. It uses perfectly quantized Josephson pulses to generate arbitrary waveforms with low harmonic distortion and stable, calculable time-dependent voltages. Both systems are presently limited to output voltages less than 10 V as a result of frequency requirements and the limits of junction fabrication technology. We describe the development of fabrication technology for these systems and describe the circuit- and fabrication-related constraints that presently limit system performance. Finally, we propose the use of lumped arrays of junctions to achieve higher practical voltages through development of a nanoscale junction technology, in which 15,000 junctions are closely spaced at 50 nm to 100 nm internals.

Proceedings Title

Proc., Symp. on Microtech. in Metrol. and Metrol. in Microsys.

Issue

12

Conference Dates

August 28-September 4, 2000

Conference Location

Delft, NL

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

array, josephson junction, voltage standard

Citation

Benz, S. , Dresselhaus, P. and Burroughs, C. (2000), Nanotechnology for Next-Generation Josephson Voltage Standards, Proc., Symp. on Microtech. in Metrol. and Metrol. in Microsys., Delft, NL, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=15244 (Accessed October 13, 2025)