Josephson junction

American  

[joh-zuhf-suhn juhngk-shuhn, -suhf-] / ˈdʒoʊ zəf sən ˈdʒʌŋk ʃən, -səf- /

noun

Electronics.

1. a high-speed switch, used in experimental computers, that operates on the basis of a radiative phenomenon Josephsoneffect exhibited by a pair of superconductors separated by a thin insulator. JJ

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Etymology

Origin of Josephson junction

First recorded in 1965–70; after B. D. Josephson, who predicted the existence of the effect

Example Sentences

By moving this barrier periodically, the researchers recreated conditions similar to those in a superconducting Josephson junction exposed to microwave radiation.

From Science Daily • Dec. 23, 2025

The superconductors and topological insulators were coupled to form a so-called Josephson junction, a connection between two superconductors separated by a thin layer of non-superconducting material.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2024

The Josephson junction is the information-processing heart of the superconducting qubit.

From Science Daily • Feb. 26, 2024

Since switches are a limiting factor in computer speed, an economical Josephson junction could prove invaluable.

From Time Magazine Archive

But IBM Physicist Sadeg Faris quit the company, obtained licenses for the technology and formed Hypres, Inc., which has begun marketing its first Josephson junction product -- a high-speed oscilloscope.

From Time Magazine Archive