  We have theoretically investigated macroscopic quantum tunneling (MQT) and
the influence of nodal quasiparticles and zero energy bound states (ZES) on MQT
in s-wave/ d-wave hybrid Josephson junctions. In contrast to d-wave/d-wave
junctions, the low-energy quasiparticle dissipation resulting from nodal
quasiparticles and ZES is suppressed due to a quasiparticle-tunneling blockade
effect in an isotropic s-wave superconductor. Therefore, the inherent
dissipation in these junctions is found to be very weak. We have also
investigated MQT in a realistic s-wave/d-wave (Nb/Au/YBCO) junction in which
Ohmic dissipation in a shunt resistance is stronger than the inherent
dissipation and find that MQT is observable within the current experimental
technology. This result suggests high potential of s-wave/d-wave hybrid
junctions for applications in quantum information devices.
