Observation of macroscopic quantum tunneling in a single Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta surface intrinsic Josephson junction.
We report on the first unambiguous observation of macroscopic quantum tunneling (MQT) in a single submicron Bi(2)Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(8+delta) surface intrinsic Josephson junction (IJJ) by measuring its temperature-dependent switching current distribution. All relevant junction parameters were determined in situ in the classical regime and were used to predict the behavior of the IJJ in the quantum regime via MQT theory. Experimental results agree quantitatively with the theoretical predictions, thus confirming the MQT picture. Furthermore, the data also indicate that the surface IJJ, where the current flows along the c axis of the crystal, has the conventional sinphi current-phase relationship.
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, USA.
Shao-Xiong
SX
Li
Wei
W
Qiu
Siyuan
S
Han
Y F
YF
Wei
X B
XB
Zhu
C Z
CZ
Gu
S P
SP
Zhao
H B
HB
Wang