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Scalable Quantum Integrated Circuits on Superconducting Two-Dimensional Electron Gas Platform
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Multistability and switching in a superconducting metamaterial.
P Jung1, S Butz1, M Marthaler2
1Physikalisches Institut, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.
Nature Communications
|April 29, 2014
Summary
Superconducting quantum interference devices act as fast, switchable meta-atoms. Their nonlinear properties enable control over magnetic susceptibility for all-optical metamaterial switches.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Metamaterials science
- Quantum device applications
Background:
- Metamaterials offer unique light-interaction properties not found in nature.
- Artificial meta-atoms, often electronic or plasmonic, form these engineered media.
- In situ control of metamaterial properties is a key research objective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) as switchable meta-atoms.
- To investigate the nonlinear dynamics and magnetic susceptibility of SQUID meta-atoms.
- To explore the potential for all-optical switching in metamaterials.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing superconducting quantum interference devices as meta-atoms.
- Investigating nonlinear dynamics and magnetic susceptibility in the microwave domain.
- Applying nanosecond-long pulses for state switching.
Main Results:
- SQUIDs exhibit intrinsic nonlinearity, leading to multiple stable dynamic states.
- These states correspond to distinct values and signs of magnetic susceptibility.
- All-optical switching between states was achieved using pulsed signals.
Conclusions:
- Superconducting quantum interference devices can function as fast, switchable meta-atoms.
- Metamaterial multistability offers pathways for novel optical switching applications.
- The findings open possibilities for nonlinear meta-atoms in diverse applications.
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