Superconducting systems are a natural and versatile platform for a variety of applications including quantum technologies and are of undoubtful inspiration also for the development of novel notions in solid state physics. Josephson junctions (JJs) are key structures, because of their unique properties, of their potential to manipulate the macroscopic wave function of a condensate and of their extreme flexibility as circuit elements. Progress in material science and nanofabrication gives opportunities to create unique hybrid JJs which can be smartly integrated in complex architectures, paving the way to novel effects and novel avenues for quantum control and detection. We will review some aspects of the frontiers of the Josephson effect discussing examples of unique solutions to cutting edge problems in condensed matter physics as well as to very advanced applications. We will report on special properties of hybrid JJs, on how to engineer the macroscopic phase in quantum circuits, which make possible alternative layouts for the superconducting modules inside a more general architecture also through a comparative study of fluctuations and of electro-dynamical properties. A special focus will be on junctions employing ferromagnetic barriers. The diversity in Josephson junctions opens ‘horizons’ and much is happening.
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