Josephson photonics and Josephson scanning tunneling microscopy : inelastic charge transfer across superconducting junctions

Abstract

This thesis presents seven publications from the fields of Josephson photonics and Josephson scanning tunneling microscopy in a comprehensive scientific context. In these two new and developing areas of mesoscopic physics, the role of quantum optical phenomena in charge transport across tunnel junctions is investigated. The overriding goal with regard to basic research lies here in the understanding of fundamental processes of nonrelativistic quantum electrodynamics under nonequilibrium conditions. New insights into the quantum optics of mesoscopic conductors, however, are not only of fundamental scientific interest but have also led to the emergence of promising platforms for novel quantum devices in communication, information, and sensing technology.