Engineering topics

Chandrasekhar, V.

Publications and source records attributed to Chandrasekhar, V..

3 records

DOE OSTI2024

Transport signatures of phase fluctuations in superconducting qubits

Abstract Josephson junctions supply the nonlinear inductance element in superconducting qubits. In the widely used transmon configuration, where the junction is shunted by a large capacitor, the low charging energy minimizes the sensitivity of the qubit to charge noise while maintaining the necessary anharmonicity to qubit states. We report here low-frequency transport measurements on small standalone junctions and identically fabricated capacitively-shunted junctions that show two distinct features normally attributed to small capacitance junctions near zero bias: reduced switching currents and prominent finite resistance associated with phase diffusion in the current–voltage characteristic. Our transport data reveals the existence of phase fluctuations in transmons arising from intrinsic junction capacitance.

Wisne, M. (ORCID:0009000610684209)↗

DOE OSTI2021

Observation of Zero-Field Transverse Resistance in AlO x / SrTi O 3 Interface Devices

Domain walls in AlO x =SrTiO 3 (AlO x =STO) interface devices at low temperatures give a rise to a new signature in the electrical transport of two-dimensional carrier gases formed at the surfaces or interfaces of STO-based heterostructures: a finite transverse resistance observed in Hall bars in zero external magnetic field. This transverse resistance depends on the local domain wall configuration and hence changes with temperature, gate voltage, thermal cycling, and position along the sample and can even change sign as a function of these parameters. The transverse resistance is observed below ≃70 K but grows and changes significantly below ≃40 K, the temperature at which the domain walls become increasingly polar. Surprisingly, the transverse resistance is much larger in (111) oriented heterostructures in comparison to (001) oriented heterostructures. Measurements of the capacitance between the conducting interface and an electrode applied to the substrate, which reflect the dielectric constant of the STO, indicate that this difference may be related to the greater variation of the temperature-dependent dielectric constant with electric field when the electric field is applied in the [111] direction. Further, the finite transverse resistance can be explained inhomogeneous current flow due to the preferential transport of current along domain walls that are askew to the nominal direction of the injected current.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

NASA NTRS2003

Flightweight Carbon Nanotube Magnet Technology

Virtually all plasma-based systems for advanced airborne/spaceborne propulsion and power depend upon the future availability of flightweight magnet technology. Unfortunately, current technology for resistive and superconducting magnets yields system weights that tend to counteract the performance advantages normally associated with advanced plasma-based concepts. The ongoing nanotechnology revolution and the continuing development of carbon nanotubes (CNT), however, may ultimately relieve this limitation in the near future. Projections based on recent research indicate that CNTs may achieve current densities at least three orders of magnitude larger than known superconductors and mechanical strength two orders of magnitude larger than steel. In fact, some published work suggests that CNTs are superconductors. Such attributes imply a dramatic increase in magnet performance-to-weight ratio and offer real hope for the construction of true flightweight magnets. This Technical Publication reviews the technology status of CNTs with respect to potential magnet applications and discusses potential techniques for using CNT wires and ropes as a winding material and as an integral component of the containment structure. The technology shortfalls are identified and a research and technology strategy is described that addresses the following major issues: (1) Investigation and verification of mechanical and electrical properties, (2) development of tools for manipulation and fabrication on the nanoscale, (3) continuum/molecular dynamics analysis of nanotube behavior when exposed to practical bending and twisting loads, and (4) exploration of innovative magnet fabrication techniques that exploit the natural attributes of CNTs.

Chapman, J. N.↗