Josephson Junctions     

Josephson Junctions - overview

Physics Accomplishment | 1967-1990

IBM researchers: Juri Matisoo, W. Anacker

Where the work was done: IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, IBM Zurich Research Lab, IBM East Fishkill

What we accomplished: Paraphrasing the 1980 writeup of work: IBM investigated the technological feasibility of using Josephson Junction devices to fabricate computers with the ability to run at very high speeds.  Josephson devices are based on superconductivity [zero electrical resistance], quantum tunneling and Josephson effects. Thus, the devices must be operated at very low temperatures, about 4 degrees above absolute zero (-273 Celsius or -459 Fahrenheit) -- temperatures that are very challenging to achieve in operation.

Related links: 1980 Writeup of Work, 2012 Retrospective on IBM and Supercomputing 

Image credit: IBM. See also IEEE Spectrum

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