Dynamic features of the phase-biased single-Cooper-pair transistor

We have studied dynamic properties of a special Josephson charge qubit. The device consists of a single-Cooper-pair transistor (with capacitive gate) closed by a superconducting inductive loop. The phase bias is implemented by an external flux that threads the loop. Restricting ourselves to a two-band model, we have derived analytical expressions for the oppositely circulating ring currents in terms of gate charge and phase bias. They permit the determination of important device characteristics such as critical current, loop parameters, and Josephson inductance. For the purpose of measurements in connection with macroscopic quantum coherence, we investigate the qubit´s microwave response within the frame of Bloch equations with phenomenological relaxation rates. We find the (nonlinear) qubit impedance in terms of quality, detuning, and the quantum resistance unit, which reflects the competition between irradiation and dephasing.