Hi-SQUID Step Edge Bi-SQUID Ion Milling
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Solution Overview
Problem
High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) SQUIDs require reduced size, weight, and power (SWaP) cryopackaging for field deployability while maintaining linearity and signal detection performance, which is not effectively achieved with existing Low Temperature Superconducting (LTS) variants.
Innovation Solution
A High Temperature Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (Hi-SQUID) with a step edge bi-SQUID design, utilizing a MgO substrate and a YBCO superconducting loop, where a bisecting path forms a third Josephson Junction by crossing the step edge and being ion milled or damaged to maintain linearity and reduce SWaP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Low Temperature Superconducting (LTS) variants are used, then signal detection performance is maintained, but size, weight, and power (SWaP) of cryopackaging is excessive for field deployability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from low temperature superconducting materials (requiring heavy liquid helium cooling) to high temperature superconducting materials (operating at higher temperatures with lighter cooling requirements), fundamentally changing the operating temperature parameter to reduce cryopackaging SWaP while maintaining signal detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures including YBCO (yttrium barium copper oxide) high temperature superconducting material combined with appropriate substrates and Josephson junction structures, achieving both high-temperature operation and enhanced signal detection performance
2Weight of stationary object
If High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) materials are used to reduce SWaP, then cryopackaging weight and power are reduced, but linearity and signal detection performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by carefully designing the Josephson junction regions with specific geometric configurations and material properties at critical locations within the SQUID structure, ensuring that the local characteristics maintain linearity and anti-peak response while the overall device operates at high temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic design elements in the SQUID structure that allow the device to maintain optimal performance characteristics across varying operating conditions, ensuring consistent linearity and signal detection performance despite the higher operating temperature
3Manufacturing precision
If step edge bi-SQUID design with ion milled bisecting path is implemented, then linearity and anti-peak response are maintained, but fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SQUID structure into distinct functional regions including the step edge configuration and the ion-milled bisecting path, allowing each segment to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall device performance and linearity
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 Hi-SQUID achieves reduced SWaP and consistent fabrication while maintaining the desirable anti-peak response, enabling efficient signal detection across a wide frequency range, particularly in the RF to UHF range.
Implementation Method 1
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 in a well-understood process.
Implementation Method 2
Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) can comprise tiny loops of superconducting material in which Josephson Junctions are placed in the loop path.
Implementation Method 3
A superconducting loop can be deposited on said step edge to establish two Josephson Junctions at the step edge.
Implementation Method 4
the bisecting path can be ion milled where the bisecting path crosses the step edge the second time to round the bisecting path and thereby removing a fourth Josephson Junction
Implementation Method 5
the bisecting path can be ion damaged, ion milled, or particle beam damaged to established the third Josephson Junction
Data Source
AI summary
A High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) Superconducting Quantum Interference Device and methods for fabrication can include at least one bi-Superconducting Quantum Interference Device. The bi-SQUID can include an HTS substrate that can be formed with a step edge. A superconducting loop of YBCO can be deposited on the step edge to establish two Josephson Junctions. A superconducting path that bi-sects the superconducting loop path can also be deposited onto the substrate. In some embodiments, the bisecting path can cross the step edge twice, and the bisecting path can be ion milled at one of the crossing points to round the bisecting path and thereby remove the fourth Josephson Junction at the other crossing point. In still other embodiments, the bisecting path can be completely on the upper shelf (or the lower shelf), and the bisecting path can be ion damaged, ion damaged, or particle damaged, to establish the third Josephson Junction.