Quantized Phase Effect and Josephson Tunneling

By using properly defined sine and cosine phase variables, a model is proposed which yields a rigorous quantum-mechanical derivation of Josephson tunneling with exact current eigenstates. The model predicts that for dc tunneling the coherent fluids on both sides of the junction must be in the same state, and the "phase is quantized." This prediction can in principle be investigated experimentally, and may afford a fundamental test of quantum mechanics.