Microwave Heterodyne Mixing by Step-Edge Microbridge Josephson Junctions Using YBaCuO Thin Films

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Abstract
Current-voltage characteristics and microwave mixing properties of step-edge microbridge Josephson junctions (SEJJs) made of YBaCuO thin films were systematically investigated. The step-edge was formed on the surface of a MgO(100) substrate employing the common photolithograph and wet-etching techniques. YBaCuO thin film was deposited by the off-axis sputtering method, and the microbridge junctions were fabricated so as to cross the step-edge. The SEJJs showed typical DC and AC characteristics which were explained by the resistively shunted junction (RSJ) model. Mixing experiments were carried out in the K-band microwave region. An intermediate frequency (IF) output with the frequency range of 20 MHz∼2.0 GHz was successfully obtained.