Decay in an asymmetric SQUID

Abstract

Quantum tunneling in an asymmetric (with strongly different capacitances) SQUID is studied. Since capacitances play a role of masses one phase, related to a large mass, becomes "heavy" and remains always a constant in a tunneling process. Tunneling in an asymmetric SQUID becomes one-dimensional with a condition of optimization of tunneling probability with respect to a value of the "heavy" phase. An unusual temperature dependence of the tunneling probability is obtained. It has a finite slope at zero temperature and a transition between thermally assisted tunneling and pure activation can be not smooth depending on current through a SQUID.