Josephson Junctions and Related Proximity Effects: From Basic Science to Emerging Applications in Advanced Technologies

Since the discovery of the Josephson effect in 1962, new science and new applications regularly emerge due to quantum coherence between two superconductors separated by a non-superconducting weak link. Even established applications of the Josephson effect such as magnetic field sensors and parametric amplifiers continue to demonstrate sensitivity and performance gains. Furthermore, during the past few years we have seen a dramatic series of experimental discoveries relating to the interplay of superconductivity, magnetism, and/or spin-orbit coupling in proximity structures and Josephson junctions with magnetic layers and/or heavy metal interfaces which lack spatial inversion symmetry. Key results include spin-charge supercurrents; switchable magnetic memory; and supercurrent diodes. This Special Topic focuses on going beyond the state-of-the-art in theory and experiments of the proximity and Josephson effect involving materials and devices which show potential for applications in future superconducting electronics and quantum technologies.

Guest Editors: Jason Robinson, Jacob Linder, Elke Scheer, Jagadeesh Moodera, and Niladri Banerjee