Detection of bias inhomogeneity in Josephson junctions by switching current distributions

We demonstrate the double-peaked switching current distributions of a long Josephson junction from the zero to the finite voltage state in the case of asymmetrical bias feed profile. The considered asymmetry stands to be a natural feature of YBCO junctions fabricated on bicrystal substrates. We argue that such a picture is associated with the formation of solitons at the opposite junction edges for slightly different bias currents, arisen due to asymmetry. System parameters such as junction length, noise intensity and character of bias feed inhomogeneity leading to atypical distribution of switching currents are discussed.