Shorted two-dimensional high-Tc Josephson arrays for oscillator applications

We present results of our experimental investigations of the dynamic properties of two types of shorted two-dimensional (2D) arrays. The first type consisted of 4×4 YBCO step edge junctions integrated into a circuit, which allowed the simultaneous detection of all single row voltages. Thus, using only dc-measurements, the interaction and synchronization between the rows could be observed. In the second investigated array type the edge junctions of the rows were closed into superconducting loops in the form of coplanar resonators. Resonant steps were observed on the current–voltage characteristic due to interaction of the junctions with the resonators. The circuits were integrated into a stripline geometry and coupled to another (detector) Josephson junction. A clear detector response, i.e. Shapiro steps, was measured up to 460 GHz. Steps up to 4th harmonic were observed in the frequency range 150–200 GHz.