Quantized current steps due to the synchronization of microwaves with Bloch oscillations in small Josephson junctions

Abstract

Synchronization of Bloch oscillations in small Josephson junctions (JJs) under microwave radiation, which leads to current quantization, has been proposed as an effect that is dual to the appearance of Shapiro steps. This current quantization was recently demonstrated in superconducting nanowires in a compact high-impedance environment. Direct observation of current quantization in JJs would confirm the synchronization of Bloch oscillations with microwaves and help with the realisation of the metrological current standard. Here, we place JJs in a high-impedance environment and demonstrate dual Shapiro steps for frequencies up to 24 GHz (I = 7.7 nA). Current quantization exists, however, only in a narrow range of JJ parameters. We carry out a systematic study to explain this by invoking the model of a JJ in the presence of thermal noise. The findings are important for fundamental physics and application in quantum metrology.