Macroscopic Quantum Tunneling in ``Small'' Josephson Junctions in a Magnetic Field
Abstract
We study the phenomenon of macroscopic quantum tunneling (MQT) in small Josephson junctions (JJ) with an externally applied magnetic field. The latter results in the appearance of the Fraunhofer type modulation of the current density along the barrier. The problem of MQT for a pointlike JJ is reduced to the motion of the quantum particle in the washboard potential. In the case of a finite size JJ under consideration, this problem corresponds to a MQT in a potential which itself, besides the phase, depends on space variables. The general expression for the crossover temperature T0 between thermally activated and macroscopic quantum tunneling regimes and the escaping time τesc have been calculated.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review Letters
- Pub Date:
- July 2007
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevLett.99.037004
- arXiv:
- arXiv:cond-mat/0701784
- Bibcode:
- 2007PhRvL..99c7004O
- Keywords:
-
- 74.50.+r;
- Tunneling phenomena;
- point contacts weak links Josephson effects;
- Condensed Matter - Superconductivity
- E-Print:
- doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.99.037004