Quantum Interference in Josephson Junctions

The parallelism between diffraction and interference in optics and quantum interference in Josephson junctions is discussed and studied in details. The interdisciplinary character of the present work is highlighted through specific examples. The Fraunhofer-like pattern of the maximum Josephson current in a single Josephson junction and the periodic field dependence of the critical current in two-junction and in multi-junction quantum interferometers is analyzed and discussed in comparison with the homologous classical optical phenomena.