Zero-field and flux-flow excitations in a triangular cell of long Josephson junctions

The analytical solutions of a nonlinearly coupled sine-Gordon system of equations are discussed. The relevant solutions are then used as a basis for the numerical analysis of a perturbed sine-Gordon system of equations modeling a cell of three long Josephson junctions. The analysis is focused on the dynamical states accounting for the current singularities, in the absence as well as in the presence of magnetic field, at the relevant values of the magnetic flux linked to the cell (Phi= 0 and Phi=Phi(0)/2). The experimental evidence for zero-field and flux-flow steps in the device is also discussed. [S0163-1829(99)04721-9].