Contents

Scientific Research
Variable Stars
Josephson. Junctions

Scientific Research: Josephson Junctions

We have constructed the ground-state configurations for a square-lattice Josephson network in a magnetic field leading to a better understanding of the zero-temperature phase diagram. We then compute the field dependence of the ground state energy, helicity modulus, and critical current.

Context	This was a research project that I complete as a senior while at the University of the Kentucky. This project investigated the ground state configurations of superconducting regions within a Josephson network through the use of a computer model. At the time of this study only a few ground state configurations had been discovered. This work lead to the discovery of the ground state configurations for a wide range of magnetic field conditions and the relationship between of the electric current flowing through the material, the strength of the magnetic field and the ground state configuration.
Conditions	This was one of my first scientific research project and I had little knowledge of the field of superconductivity. I mainly worked by myself, but was provided significant guidance by my supervising professor, Dr. Straley. However, as a part of working on this project, I found that the field of condensed matter research was not where my interests lay in physics.
Scope	This project lasted for one complete year. I typically worked on the project for 2-3 hours per day, but increased work time over the summer.
Role	When this project started I was just learning how to write computer programs. Therefore, for the first few weeks of the project my role simply consisted of learning the syntax of the programming language being used. I believed that my major contribution to this work was my strong interest in learning about the underlying physics of superconductivity.

Project Papers:

Straley, J. P., & Barnett, M. (1993). Phase diagram for a Josephson network in a magnetic field. Physical Review B, 48(5), 3309-3315.