Intrinsic Resistivity via Quantum Nucleation of Phase Slips in a One-Dimensional Josephson Junction Array

The resistivity of a one-dimensional Josephson junction array at zero temperature is calculated by estimating the nucleation rate of quantum phase slips. We choose a certain collective coordinate which describes the nucleation process and estimate the corresponding effective mass. In the strong coupling regime, where Josephson coupling energy exceeds the charging energy, we calculate the nucleation rate by means of WKB method. Our estimation is in good agreement with recent experimental data. The superconductor-insulator transition point is also discussed.