Ferroelectric Superconducting Switches for Voltage State Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current superconducting switching devices lack efficient control mechanisms to switch between superconducting and non-superconducting states, particularly above liquid nitrogen temperature, limiting their application in quantum sensing and computing.
Innovation Solution
The development of superconducting switching devices comprising electrically conductive materials, dielectric layers, and electrically-polarizable ferroelectric materials with control electrodes, allowing for voltage-induced state changes by manipulating ferroelectric polarization and charge accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional superconducting switching devices are used, then switching between superconducting and non-superconducting states is achieved, but efficient control mechanisms are lacking particularly above liquid nitrogen temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ferroelectric layer as an intermediary between the control electrode and the superconducting material. This ferroelectric mediator enables efficient control of the superconducting state through its polar化特性, allowing reliable switching above liquid nitrogen temperature by decoupling the control mechanism from direct thermal constraints on the superconducting material itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in ferroelectric polarization state as a controllable parameter to switch the superconducting device between superconducting and non-superconducting states. By applying control voltages that modify the ferroelectric polarization, the system achieves reliable state switching at temperatures above liquid nitrogen, effectively using parameter changes to overcome thermal limitations.
2Ease of manufacture
If superconducting materials with critical transitions above liquid nitrogen temperature are used, then liquid-based cooling is simplified, but control mechanisms for switching states remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ferroelectric layer serves as a control intermediary that simplifies the overall device architecture while providing efficient switching capability. This mediator enables state control without requiring complex external control systems, thus maintaining ease of manufacture through simplified cooling while avoiding control mechanism complexity through the inherent polar化 switching特性 of the ferroelectric material.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferroelectric material provides self-service control functionality through its intrinsic polar化 switching特性 when subjected to control voltages. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems, allowing the device to maintain simple cooling infrastructure while achieving reliable state switching through the material's own properties.
3Device complexity
If ferroelectric materials with uniform polarization throughout are used, then device structure is simplified, but control flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ferroelectric control functionality into distinct regions or domains that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows different portions of the ferroelectric layer to exhibit different polarization states, providing control flexibility for versatile device operation while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through the modular organization of polarized regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality variations in the ferroelectric layer by creating regions with different polarization states tailored to specific functional requirements. This local differentiation of polarization properties enables flexible control of the superconducting state while maintaining overall device structural simplicity, as each region is optimized for its specific control function.
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
Enables reliable switching between superconducting and non-superconducting states above liquid nitrogen temperature, facilitating their use in advanced sensors and quantum computing applications with simplified cooling and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically-polarizable ferroelectric material having a ferroelectric polarization
Implementation Method 2
charge carriers confined within an electrically conductive material interfaced with one or more regions of an electrically-polarizable ferroelectric material
Implementation Method 3
Superconductivity is a naturally occurring phenomenon manifested by near-zero electrical resistance and the occurrence of spontaneous diamagnetism below a critical transition temperature, Tc
Implementation Method 4
near-zero electrical resistance and the occurrence of spontaneous diamagnetism below a critical transition temperature
Implementation Method 5
a voltage can be applied across the control electrodes to induce a change in the superconducting state of the superconducting switching device, i.e., between superconducting and non-superconducting states
Data Source
AI summary
Superconducting switching devices of electrically-polarizable ferroelectric materials and electrically conductive materials with control electrodes. Superconducting states of the superconducting switching devices are determined by polarization states of the electrically-polarizable ferroelectric materials and voltages applied to the control electrodes.