Aharonov-Bohm-type effect for vortices in Josephson-junction arrays.

Abstract

The dynamics of a single vortex present in a ring-shaped (Corbino geometry) two-dimensional array of low-capacity Josephson junctions is studied. The vortex is treated as a macroscopic quantum particle, whose energy levels ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{n}}$(${\mathit{Q}}_{0}$) are periodic functions of the externally induced gauge charge ${\mathit{Q}}_{0}$ which is enclosed by the vortex, with a period 2e. This Aharonov-Bohm--type effect may manifest itself as a persistent voltage ${\mathit{V}}_{\mathit{s}}$=${\mathit{dE}}_{0}$(${\mathit{Q}}_{0}$)/${\mathit{dQ}}_{0}$ between interior and exterior contacts, or alternatively as Bloch oscillations. The relation with the Aharonov-Casher effect and the possibility for experimental observation are discussed.