Coherent microwave comb generation via the Josephson effect
Abstract
Frequency combs represent exceptionally precise measurement tools due to the coherence of their spectral lines. While optical frequency comb sources constitute a well-established technology, superconducting circuits provide a relatively unexplored on-chip platform for low-dissipation comb emitters able to span from gigahertz to terahertz frequencies. We demonstrate coherent microwave frequency comb generation by leveraging the ac Josephson effect in a superconducting quantum interference device. A time-dependent magnetic drive periodically generates voltage pulses, which in the frequency domain correspond to a comb with dozens of spectral modes. The micrometer-scale footprint and minimal dissipation inherent to superconducting systems foster the integration of our comb generator with advanced cryogenic electronics. Transferring optical techniques to the solid-state domain may enable new applications in quantum technologies.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.2503.13259,
title = {Coherent microwave comb generation via the Josephson effect},
author = {Angelo Greco and Xavier Ballu and Francesco Giazotto and Alessandro Crippa},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2503.13259},
year = {2025}
}