Shock-wave generation and pulse sharpening on a series array Josephson junction transmission line

A nonlinear transmission line can generate a shock wave. However, dispersion and granularity of the line offset the theoretical discontinuity associated with the shock wave and force the wave to a stable form. Such stable waveforms are examined in the context of superconducting technology. In particular, the characteristics of a tranmission line composed of a series of Josephson junctions are studied. Results indicate that by using available technology, such a transmission line can be used to generate 5-mV edges as sharp as 2 ps on lines with impedances of 50 Omega .<>