English

A Voltage-Controlled Josephson Frequency Comb

Superconductivity 2026-07-20 v1 Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics

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-TcT_c superconductors, underscoring its potential as a compact and scalable microwave source for cryogenic quantum information and sensing applications.

Cite

@article{arxiv.2607.17992,
  title  = {A Voltage-Controlled Josephson Frequency Comb},
  author = {Giorgio De Simoni and Francesco Giazotto},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2607.17992},
  year   = {2026}
}

Comments

13 pages, 7 figures