Static magnetic-flux patterns in Josephson-junction ladder arrays

Abstract

The static magnetic-flux patterns that ladders of Josephson junctions can support are numerically studied. For a given number of junctions, N, and a given inductive coupling {beta}{sub L}, a charateristic structure of the junctions phase space is found, which allows a systematic classification of the patterns. The patterns are shown to be analogous to sine-Gordon kinks, and scaling properties for ladders with N from 2 to infinity are discussed. A technique that allows to hook up the possible patterns using a quasistatic cycle in bias current and external magnetic field is also discussed. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}