Abstract
An analytical expression for the stationary probability distribution of the DC superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) with a resistively shunted inductance driven by thermal noise is derived from the two-dimensional Fokker–Planck equation. The effects on the SQUID characteristics subject to a large thermal fluctuation with a noise parameter Γ>0.20 are discussed by taking into account the thermal noise in the accuracy of numerical simulation. This theory is valid for a reduced inductance β⩽1. The analytical formulae for the SQUID characteristics, e.g. the circulating current, the average voltage and the voltage modulation, are obtained and discussed. The theory shows that the voltage modulation increases with the shunted inductance more efficiently for a large inductance parameter β and small fluctuation parameter Γ.