arXiv subjects

Pascal Febvre

Publications and source records attributed to Pascal Febvre.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Influence of noise on Josephson junctions dynamics with a BCS theory-based model

We developed a weak-linked Josephson junction time-domain simulation tool based on the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory to account for the electrodynamics of Cooper pairs and quasiparticles in the presence of thermal noise. The model, based on Werthamer and Harris formalisms, allows us to describe the behavior of Josephson junctions for various current and/or voltage input waveforms, analog or digital, and for any operating temperature below the critical temperature of the superconducting materials. We show a good agreement between experimental and simulated IV curves of Josephson junctions, as well as a relative increase of the grey zone width of an SFQ balanced comparator between 4 and 20% due to the presence of quasiparticles, for McCumber parameters comprised between 0.1 and 1, respectively.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2022

Time-domain simulator of Josephson junctions based on the BCS theory

We realized a time-domain simulator based on the electrodynamics of Cooper pairs and quasiparticles in Josephson junctions. The tool, based on the charge carriers' densities of states described by the Werthamer and Harris formalisms of Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory, allows to analyze the behavior of current- or voltage-controlled Josephson junction-based circuits for any signal waveform, at a physical temperature comprised between the absolute temperature and the critical temperature. The simulator can account for I-V curve hysteresis depending on the McCumber parameter, or Shapiro and photo-assisted steps in the presence of a monochromatic microwave signal. We used the simulator to assess the behavior of MgB2-based Josephson junctions at THz frequencies by taking into account the presence of the two anisotropic gaps of MgB2.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2022

Superconductor modulation circuits for Qubit control at microwave frequencies

Readout and control of qubits are limiting factors in scaling quantum computers. An ideal solution is to integrate energy-efficient cryogenic circuits close to the qubits to perform control and pre-processing tasks. With orders of magnitude lower power consumption and hence lower noise, Single Flux Quantum (SFQ) and Adiabatic Quantum Flux Parametron (AQFP) superconductor logic families can reach ultimate performance at cryogenic temperatures. We have created a superconductor-based on-chip function generator to control qubits. The generated signal is modulated up to tens of GHz based on the external input waveform applied to the superconductor mixer stage. This circuit works at 4.2K. A radiofrequency (RF) matching circuit transmits the signal to the ~mK stage after digital amplification and noise reduction.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

A Compact High Frequency Voltage Amplifier for Superconductor-Semiconductor Logic Interface

The many advantages of cryogenically-cooled Single-Flux Quantum (SFQ) circuits imply that the high speed and low voltage output signals must be amplified and interfaced with standard electronics. State-of-the-art low-noise and wide-band amplifiers are required to interface with room temperature electronics. One solution is to place preamplifiers at the cryogenic stage, which requires specific semiconductor design and fabrication. However, a more viable and energy-efficient approach is to integrate the pulsed logic circuit output stages with on-chip superconductor preamplifiers. We designed, fabricated, and tested an on-chip compact voltage multiplier integrated with the output stage of SFQ circuits to increase the voltage amplitude of SFQ pulses. The circuit is designed with the same technology as the logic circuit hence its noise level is lower, and it works at higher frequencies compared to CMOS amplifiers and due to quantized nature of it there is no added noise. The fabricated circuit has a compact size of 160 um x 320um and provides about 10 dB gain with measured 600 uV output voltage at frequencies up to ~25 GHz in simulations. By stacking more levels, over 20 dB gain at circuit level is achievable as shown in simulations. Moreover the gain of the superconductor voltage amplifier is quantized and programmable.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2019

Study of microwave resonances induced by bias lines of shunted Josephson junctions

Bias lines routed over a ground plane naturally form microstrip lines associated with the presence of a capacitance. This can lead to unwanted resonances when coupled to Josephson junctions. This work presents an electrical model of a shunted Josephson junction with its bias lines and pads, fabricated with the 1 kA/cm$^2$ RSFQ niobium process of the FLUXONICS Foundry. A compact LCL T-model is used to simulate the microwave behavior of the bias line, predict resonances and design resonance-free superconducting circuits. The I-V characteristics of three shunted Josephson junctions have been obtained from time-domain simulations done with JSIM and show a good match with the global behavior and experimentally observed resonance at 230 GHz, measured at 4.2 K. The influence of the position and value of a series resistor placed on bias lines is studied to damp unwanted resonances at the junction.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2019

JOINUS: A User-friendly Open-source Software to Simulate Digital Superconductor Circuits

Single flux quantum (SFQ) based circuits are the subject of renewed attention due to their high speed and their very high energy efficiency. However, the need of cryogenic temperature, the complex physics of Josephson junctions and the lack of proper EDA tools causes slow progress in the field of superconducting electronics. In this work we introduce a new open source program named JOsephson INterface Utility Software (JOINUS [1]) that incorporates SPICE-based simulator engines, improved physical models and several powerful built-in routines. JOINUS is based on a user-friendly environment available on Linux, MacOS and Windows platforms to simplify the design and analysis of superconducting digital circuits.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2014

Josephson mixers for terahertz detection

We report on an experimental and theoretical study of the high-frequency mixing properties of ion-irradiated YBa2Cu3O7 Josephson junctions embedded in THz antennas. We investigated the influence of the local oscillator power and frequency on the device performances. The experimental data are compared with theoretical predictions of the general three-port model for mixers, in which the junction is described by the resistively shunted junction model. A good agreement is obtained for the conversion efficiency in different frequency ranges, spanning above and below the characteristic frequencies fc of the junctions.

cond-mat.supr-con↗