Quantum fluctuations in superconducting arrays

Finite-temperature phase transitions in a two-dimensional boson Hubbard model

We study finite-temperature phase transitions in a two-dimensional boson Hubbard model with zero-point quantum fluctuations via Monte Carlo simulations of a quantum rotor model and construct the corresponding phase diagram. Compressibility shows a thermally activated gapped behavior in the insulating regime. Finite-size scaling of the superfluid stiffness clearly shows the nature of the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition. The transition temperature T(c) confirms a scaling relation T(c) proportional, rho(0)(x), with x=1.0. Some evidence of anomalous quantum behavior at low temperatures is presented.

Three-dimensional Josephson-junction arrays in the quantum regime

We study the quantum phase transition properties of a three-dimensional periodic array of Josephson junctions with charging energy that includes both the self and mutual junction capacitances. We use the phase fluctuation algebra between number and phase operators, given by the Euclidean group E2, and we effectively map the problem onto a solvable quantum generalization of the spherical model. We obtain a phase diagram as a function of temperature, Josephson coupling, and charging energy. We also analyze the corresponding fluctuation conductivity and its universal scaling form in the vicinity of the zero-temperature quantum critical point.