Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: The Josephson junction (JJ) is the fundamental nonlinear building block of superconducting quantum technologies. Its macroscopic quantum tunneling physics underpins superconducting quantum computing, sensing, and communication, but scaling these platforms to utility-scale architectures places increasingly stringent demands on junction materials, interfaces, and fabrication. Practical quantum computing requires high reproducibility, low power consumption, tunability, a small device footprint, and resilience to noise and defects. This review surveys how advances in materials science, device characterization, and nanofabrication are addressing these challenges and redefining the figures of merit for next-generation JJs. This review also examines the evolution of fabrication strategies, from conventional multi-angle evaporation to foundry-compatible superconducting processes and the integration of emerging junction materials. Progress along these directions will determine how rapidly JJs move from laboratory-scale components to the foundation of industrial-scale quantum processors.
Source: Advanced Science
DOI: 10.1002/advs.78427
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,730
Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, National Research Foundation, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea University, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea, Office of Science
OpenAlex ID: W4417302154