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Cascade switching current detectors based on arrays of Josephson junctions

Author

Listed:
  • Roger Cattaneo

    (Stockholm University, AlbaNova University Center)

  • Artemii E. Efimov

    (Stockholm University, AlbaNova University Center
    University of Basel)

  • Kirill I. Shiianov

    (Stockholm University, AlbaNova University Center)

  • Oliver Kieler

    (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt)

  • Vladimir M. Krasnov

    (Stockholm University, AlbaNova University Center)

Abstract

Cascade multiplication is widely used to enhance photon detector sensitivity. While vacuum tube and semiconductor photomultipliers achieve high gains in the optical range, their performance at lower frequencies is limited by large work functions. Superconducting detectors overcome this constraint, enabling operation in the terahertz (THz) and microwave (MW) ranges. Here we introduce a concept of cascade-amplified superconducting detectors based on Josephson junction arrays. Interjunction coupling in an array triggers avalanche-like switching of multiple junctions upon photon absorption, resulting in cascade amplification of the readout voltage and an increased signal-to-noise ratio. We present prototypes using either low-Tc linear Nb/NbxSi1−x/Nb arrays or Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ high-Tc stacked intrinsic Josephson junctions. Both MW and THz responses are analyzed and the advantages of the cascade detector over a conventional single-junction detector are demonstrated. Our findings suggest that Josephson junction arrays hold promise for the development of highly sensitive, broadband MW-to-THz detectors.

Suggested Citation

  • Roger Cattaneo & Artemii E. Efimov & Kirill I. Shiianov & Oliver Kieler & Vladimir M. Krasnov, 2025. "Cascade switching current detectors based on arrays of Josephson junctions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63360-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63360-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vladimir M. Krasnov & Sven-Olof Katterwe & Andreas Rydh, 2013. "Signatures of the electronic nature of pairing in high-Tc superconductors obtained by non-equilibrium boson spectroscopy," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-7, December.
    2. R. Kokkoniemi & J.-P. Girard & D. Hazra & A. Laitinen & J. Govenius & R. E. Lake & I. Sallinen & V. Vesterinen & M. Partanen & J. Y. Tan & K. W. Chan & K. Y. Tan & P. Hakonen & M. Möttönen, 2020. "Bolometer operating at the threshold for circuit quantum electrodynamics," Nature, Nature, vol. 586(7827), pages 47-51, October.
    3. E. A. Borodianskyi & V. M. Krasnov, 2017. "Josephson emission with frequency span 1–11 THz from small Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ mesa structures," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-7, December.
    4. Peter K. Day & Henry G. LeDuc & Benjamin A. Mazin & Anastasios Vayonakis & Jonas Zmuidzinas, 2003. "A broadband superconducting detector suitable for use in large arrays," Nature, Nature, vol. 425(6960), pages 817-821, October.
    5. S. Komiyama & O. Astafiev & V. Antonov & T. Kutsuwa & H. Hirai, 2000. "A single-photon detector in the far-infrared range," Nature, Nature, vol. 403(6768), pages 405-407, January.
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