Optimized Nonuniform Nb SIS Parallel Josephson Junction Array Oscillators

We developed submillimeter superconducting oscillators using Josephson effects in the Nb-based superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) parallel array. The radiation emitted from the array is detected using integrated SIS twin junctions. Despite the small junction number (N = 21), the (I-V ) characteristics of the detector clearly exhibit photon-assisted quasiparticle steps when the array is biased upon its Josephson resonances, ranging from 370 to 500 GHz. The array has a moderate current density (J
_c
≈= 6 kA/cm
²
) but provides an output power around 0.28 μW, which would be sufficient in achieving sensitive heterodyne reception. The impedance array can be matched easier to microwave circuits than the usual long Josephson junctions. Furthermore, the parallel array approach can be also extended up to about 1.4 THz using Nb-based SIS junctions.