Thermodynamics of a Phase-Driven Proximity Josephson Junction

Abstract

We study the thermodynamic properties of a superconductor/normal metal/superconductor Josephson junction in the short limit. Owing to the proximity effect, such a junction constitutes a thermodynamic system where phase difference, supercurrent, temperature and entropy are thermodynamical variables connected by equations of state. These allow conceiving quasi-static processes that we characterize in terms of heat and work exchanged. Finally, we combine such processes to construct a Josephson-based Otto and Stirling cycles. We study the related performance in both engine and refrigerator operating mode.