Experimental and theoretical investigation on high-Tc superconducting intrinsic Josephson junctions

Within the last years many groups have realized and investigated different types of intrinsic Josephson junction (IJJ) arrays out of high-temperature superconducting single crystals or thin films. We tried to improve the synchronization between the junctions by external shunts. Mesa structures as well as microbridges on vicinal cut substrates showed multi-branch behaviour in their IV characteristics and random switching between branches. Theoretical modelling was done investigating phase dynamics and stability numerically as well as analytically. Branch structure in current voltage characteristics of IJJ is studied in the framework of different models, particularly, in capacitevely coupled Josephson junctions (CCJJ) model and CCJJ model with diffusion current. Results of modelling of return current in IV characteristics for stacks with different number of IJJ are presented. We discussed the possible mechanisms of synchronization and the ranges of stability. Conclusions with respect to application of such arrays such as radiation sources were given.