Josephson junctions with an antiferromagnetic metal as a link are described. The junction can be switched off by a relatively small magnetic field. The amplitude of the current oscillates as a function of the field.

The crystal lattice of a complex compound may contain a subsystem of ions with each one possessing two close equilibrium positions (double-well structure). For example, the oxygen ions in the cuprates form such a subsystem. In such a situation it is impossible to separate electronic and local vibrational motions. This leads to a large increase in the effective strength of the electron–lattice interaction, which is beneficial for pairing.