NbN/MgO/NbN edge-geometry tunnel junctions

Abstract

We report the fabrication and low-frequency testing of the first edge-geometry NbN/MgO/NbN superconducting tunnel junctions. The use of an edge geometry allows very small junction areas to be obtained, while the all-NbN electrodes permit operation at 8-10 K with a potential maximum operating frequency above 1 THz. Edge definition in the base NbN film was accomplished utilizing Ar ion milling with an Al2O3 milling mask, followed by a lower energy ion cleaning step. This process has produced all-refractory-material tunnel junctions with areas as small as 0.1 μm 2, resistance-area products less than 21 Ω μm2, and subgap to normal state resistance ratios larger than 18.