Dynamics of the DC-SQUID

Abstract

The dynamics of two inductively-coupled Josephson junctions, driven by a current source and by an external flux were studied. Approximate analytical arguments and numerical simulations were used. The various characteristics times of the DC-SQUID were systematically obtained as functions of the parameters of the junctions and the superconducting loop. We have studied the effects of the external magnetic field and quasiparticle conductance on the structure of the I-V characteristics. The transition times between the various branches of the I-V characteristics were calculated using approximate analytical arguments as well as numerical simulations. The results, both for the I-V characteristics and the transition times, were compared with existing experiments.