Bistable superconducting quantum interference device with built-in switchable π∕2 phase shift

Abstract

Superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) have been realized with a built-in π∕2 phase shift of the superconducting wave function. Its design is inspired by the phase-shifter concept, first proposed by Ioffe et al. [Nature 398, 679 (1999)] as the key element in a solid-state qubit configuration. It exploits the dx2−y2 order parameter symmetry in the high-Tc cuprates in multilayer structures based on YBa2Cu3O7-Nb ramp-type Josephson contacts. By reversing the sign of the persistent circulating current in the phase-shifting element, the π∕2 SQUID can be controllably switched between two energetically degenerate ground states, with complementary magnetic flux dependencies.