Josephson $\varphi$-junctions based on structures with complex normal/ferromagnet bilayer

Abstract

We demonstrate that Josephson devices with nontrivial phase difference $% 0<\varphi_g <\pi $ in the ground state can be realized in structures composed from longitudinally oriented normal metal (N) and ferromagnet (F) films in the weak link region. Oscillatory coupling across F-layer makes the first harmonic in the current-phase relation relatively small, while coupling across N-layer provides negative sign of the second harmonic. To derive quantitative criteria for a $\varphi$-junction, we have solved two-dimensional boundary-value problem in the frame of Usadel equations for overlap and ramp geometries of S-NF-S structures. Our numerical estimates show that $\varphi $-junctions can be fabricated using up-to-date technology.