Quantum kinetics of a superconducting tunnel junction: Theory and comparison with experiment

Kenneth S. Chow, Cornell University Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics
Dana A. Browne, Cornell University Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics
Vinay Ambegaokar, Cornell University Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics

Abstract

We develop a kinetic theory for the real-time response of a quantum particle interacting with a macroscopic reservoir. We discuss the equilibrium and long-time behavior of the solution of the kinetic equation for such a system. In the limit of low damping, the kinetic equation reduces to a master equation. Using the theory to model a Josephson junction loaded with an external impedance, we make contact with the experiments of Clark, Devoret, Esteve, and Martinis. We argue that a stationary solution of the master equation sufficiently describes the experiments, and make detailed comparison with data. © 1988 The American Physical Society.