Implications of a d_(x~2-y~2) symmetry component of the superconducting order parameter on high-T_c josephson devices

摘要

Various experiments have shown that the order parameter in the high-T_c cuprates has a predominant d_(x~2-y~2) symmetry component, which has important implications for devices based on Josephson junctions. The d_(x~2-y~2) symmetry causes intrinsic weak links, inhomogeneous current distributions in the junctions and reduced I_cR_n products. In this article the implications of a d_(x~2-y~2) symmetry component for Josephson junction devices are discussed, with particular emphasis on devices based on grain boundaries in high-T_c superconductors.