Bi-SQUID Loop Shielding for High-Temperature RF Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SQUID arrays for RF detection are limited by their size, weight, and power consumption, and they typically operate at low temperatures, restricting their application to higher temperature superconducting ranges.
Innovation Solution
A SQUID array comprising a planar array of loops and a magnetic shield, where the magnetic shield is disposed over part of one of the loops to protect it from magnetic fields, and a bi-SQUID with a magnetic shield configured to shield one sub-loop from magnetic fields, enabling operation above 70 K.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If low temperature superconducting materials are used for SQUID arrays, then the arrays can operate at low temperatures, but the size, weight and power consumption are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter from low temperature (LTS) to high temperature (HTS) range by using different superconducting materials. This parameter change enables operation at temperatures above 70K, which reduces the weight and complexity of the cooling system while maintaining superconducting functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If magnetic shields are added to protect sub-loops, then hysteresis is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the superconducting loop into two separate sub-loops, with magnetic shields selectively placed over specific sub-loops. This segmentation allows independent control of magnetic field exposure for each sub-loop, reducing hysteresis effects while maintaining a manageable device structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic shields as intermediary elements between the external magnetic field and the superconducting sub-loops. These shields act as mediators that control and regulate magnetic field exposure, reducing hysteresis by preventing direct magnetic field interaction with sensitive sub-loops while maintaining device functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed SQUID array achieves improved linearity and reduced hysteresis, enabling operation at higher temperatures with reduced size, weight, and power consumption, making it suitable for advanced RF detection applications.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic shield is disposed over one of the sub-loops such that only the sub-loop that is not covered by the magnetic shield is exposed to a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
A Josephson junction can be a region of material that provides a weak link between two fully super-conducting regions. Superconducting electrons can quantum mechanically tunnel across the Josephson junction
Implementation Method 3
The bi-SQUID is fabricated in a single-layer process such that the bi-SQUID is able to operate, for example, at temperatures above 70 K
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting quantum interference apparatus comprising a planar array of loops where each loop constitutes a superconducting quantum interference device, and a magnetic shield disposed over part of one of the loops so to protect the covered part of the loop from exposure to a magnetic field.