Half-integer Shapiro-steps in superconducting qubit with a -Josephson junction

Mori, Michiyasu  ; Maekawa, Sadamichi

A superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) comprising 0- and -Josephson junctions (JJs), called -SQUID, is studied by the resistively shunted junction model. The -SQUID shows half-integer Shapiro-steps (SS) under microwave irradiation at the voltage = , with angular frequency and half-integer /2 in addition to integer . We show that the -SQUID can be a -qubit with spontaneous loop currents by which the half-integer SS are induced. Making the 0- and -JJs equivalent is a key for the half-integer SS and realizing the -qubit.