Quantum Phase Transitions and Vortex Dynamics in Superconducting Networks

Josephson junction arrays are ideal model systems where a variety of phenomena, phase transitions, frustration effects, vortex dynamics, chaos, to mention a few of them, can be studied in a controlled way. In this review we focus on the quantum dynamical properties of low capacitance Josephson junction arrays. The two characteristic energy scales in these systems are the Josephson energy, associated to the tunneling of Cooper pairs between neighboring islands, and the charging energy, which is the energy cost to add an extra electron charge to a neutral island. The phenomena described in this review stem from the competition between single electron effects with the Josephson effect. One example is the (quantum) Superconductor-Insulator phase transition which occurs by varying the ratio between the coupling constants and/or by means of external magnetic/electric fields. We will describe how the phase diagram depends on the various control paramters and the transport properties close to the quantum critical point. The relevant topological excitations on the superconducting side of the phase diagram are vortices. In low capacitance junction arrays vortices behave as massive underdamped particles that can exhibit quantum behaviour. We will report on the various experiments and theoretical treatments on quantum vortex dynamics.