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Thermodynamic cycles in Josephson junctions.

Francesco Vischi1,2, Matteo Carrega3, Pauli Virtanen3

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This summary is machine-generated.

Superconducting Josephson junctions can achieve cooling through iso-entropic processes. This effect is enhanced by optimizing junction parameters, enabling novel coherent thermal machines.

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Area of Science:

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Quantum Thermodynamics
  • Superconductivity

Background:

  • Superconductor/normal metal/superconductor Josephson junctions exhibit unique thermodynamic properties.
  • Thermodynamic entropy in these systems is dependent on temperature and phase difference across the junction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential for cooling effects in Josephson junctions using iso-entropic processes.
  • To explore the enhancement of cooling by optimizing junction parameters.
  • To demonstrate the implementation of phase-coherent thermodynamic cycles for thermal machines.

Main Methods:

  • Exploitation of the phase-temperature thermodynamic diagram for a thermally isolated system.
  • Extensive numerical calculations using quasi-classical Green function methods for short junctions.
  • Comparison of numerical results with analytical solutions.

Main Results:

  • A cooling effect is achievable by transitioning the phase drop across the junction from 0 to π in an iso-entropic process.
  • Iso-entropic cooling can be significantly enhanced by increasing the ratio of supercurrent to total junction volume.
  • Phase-coherent thermodynamic cycles, including engines and cooling systems, can be engineered.

Conclusions:

  • Josephson junctions offer a platform for coherent thermal machines.
  • Iso-entropic processes provide a viable mechanism for cooling in superconducting systems.
  • The study evaluates the performance and minimum achievable temperatures for these novel thermal devices.