Superconducting integrated circuits for millimeter and submillimeter wave heterodyne receivers

SIS junctions are unique devices combining two fundamental phenomena, the superconducting pair tunneling (Josephson effect) and the quasiparticle tunneling (Giaver effect). These allow for use the same type of SIS junction (e.g. Nb-AlO_x-Nb) either in the quasiparticle mode for the quantum-noise limited detection or in the Josephson mode for generating and converting high frequency signals, for unique magnetic sensors (SQUIDs) and for digital devices. This is why studies in the field of SIS junction integration are of great importance for a variety of lightweight and low power consuming electronic applications. The present paper is a review of the 10-year development of analogue of analogue superconducting integrated circuits with SIS junctions led by IREE RAS team.