vix.ing · top · new · best · stats · spec

A Voltage-Controlled Josephson Frequency Comb

2026/07/20 by Giorgio De Simoni, Francesco Giazotto
#cond-mat.supr-con #cond-mat.mes-hall

paper · pdf

Abstract

Microwave frequency combs constitute promising resources for quantum technologies, cryogenic electronics, and multiplexed sensing architectures. In this work, we propose a frequency-comb generator based on a Josephson field-effect transistor operated in a relaxation-oscillation regime. The device comprises a gate-tunable ballistic superconductor-semiconductor-superconductor junction embedded in a resistively shunted circuit, in which electrostatic control of the carrier density enables in situ tuning of both the critical current and the Josephson inductance. Time-domain circuit simulations indicate that the resulting oscillator produces coherent voltage pulses whose Fourier spectrum forms a microwave frequency comb. In contrast to conventional Josephson-based comb architectures, the proposed platform provides direct electrical control of the comb spacing, emission frequencies, and modal power distribution via a gate electrode. For a representative Al/InAs implementation, we demonstrate continuous frequency coverage in the technologically relevant 1-10 GHz range. Furthermore, the concept is shown to be compatible with higher-Tc superconductors, underscoring its potential as a compact and scalable microwave source for cryogenic quantum information and sensing applications.

Related