Josephson junctions: four terminals make the difference

A traditional Josephson junction has two superconducting terminals. But researchers at Inac* recently looked at the theoretical behavior of four-terminal junctions—and the idea was an excellent one! The researchers predicted that, by applying a different voltage to two of the terminals, they would obtain the alternative current that characterizes the Josephson effect and a totally unexpected direct current.
The direct current’s value can be controlled by applying a low magnetic field to the two other terminals. The quantum states that underlie the effect could be used in future quantum computers.
The predictions—which are theoretical at this stage—were published in Nature Communications. Several labs around the world are now working to test their validity.

*in conjunction with a researcher from Delft (the Netherlands)

Contact: manuel.houzet@cea.fr

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