Two-dimensional arrays of tunnel junctions: transport properties and phasetransitions

We describe the transport properties of 2d arrays of aluminium-aluminium ox ide-aluminium tunnel junctions. The dependence of these properties on tempe rature and external magnetic field is examined. The arrays have been fabric ated on oxidized silicon substrates using e-beam lithography and shadow eva poration. By altering the fabrication parameters used we are able to contro l the ratio between the charging energy and the Josephson coupling energy a nd hence the dynamics of the arrays. The various phenomena exhibited by the se arrays, such as a magnetic field tuned superconductor-insulator transiti ons, are discussed. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.