Sub-terahertz sound excitation and detection by a long Josephson junction

Abstract

The paper reports on experimental observations of sub-terahertz sound wave generation and detection by a long Josephson junction. This effect was discovered in spectral measurements of sub-terahertz electromagnetic emission from a flux-flow oscillator (FFO) deposited on an optically polished Si substrate. The ‘back action’ of the acoustic waves generated by the FFO and reflected by the bottom surface of the Si substrate results in the appearance of resonant steps in the FFO IVCs with spacings as small as 29 nV for a 0.3 mm substrate thickness; these steps manifest themselves in a pronounced resonant structure in the emission spectra, with spacings of about 14 MHz, precisely according to the Josephson relation. The mechanism of acoustic wave generation and detection by the FFO is discussed; a possibility for employing the discovered effect for FFO frequency stabilization has been demonstrated. A simple and reliable way to suppress the superfine resonant structure has been developed and proved; this invention allows continuous frequency tuning and FFO phase locking at any desired frequency, all of which are vitally important for most applications.