HTS Magnetic Sensor SQUID Array Trimming for Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnetic sensors face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and wide dynamic range due to issues like magnetic flux trapping and low yield, particularly when using integrated SQUIDs, which are prone to defects and variations in junction characteristics, and require selection of suitable SQUIDs for specific applications.
Innovation Solution
A HTS magnetic sensor with a plurality of SQUIDs and a fabrication method that includes forming input coils, a pickup coil, and trimming wires on a superconducting layer, allowing for selection and use of a desired SQUID based on electric and magnetic characteristics, and cutting off trimming wires to optimize inductance and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If integrated SQUIDs are used to achieve high sensitivity, then detection sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing yield deteriorates due to defects and junction characteristics variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the SQUID array into multiple independently controllable units, each with its own input coil and trimming wire. This segmentation allows individual SQUIDs to be selected and optimized without affecting others, thereby improving yield while maintaining high sensitivity through the use of multiple functional units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces trimming wires that can be selectively cut to dynamically adjust the electrical connectivity between input coils and SQUIDs. This dynamic configuration capability allows post-fabrication optimization of individual SQUID performance, compensating for manufacturing variations and improving overall yield.
2Productivity
If multiple SQUIDs are fabricated to improve yield through selection, then manufacturing yield is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple SQUID units into a single integrated device with shared superconducting layers and substrate infrastructure. By combining multiple functional units while maintaining independent control through trimming wires, the patent achieves improved yield without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal structure where multiple SQUIDs share common components such as the superconducting layer, substrate, and pickup coil. This multi-functionality allows a single device to contain multiple selectable SQUIDs, improving yield while minimizing the increase in device complexity through resource sharing.
3Productivity
If trimming wires are added to enable SQUID selection, then manufacturing yield is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the selection function into separate trimming wires that can be independently controlled. By taking out the configuration control into separate elements, the patent enables SQUID selection without embedding complexity into the core SQUID structure, thereby improving yield with minimal impact on device complexity.
4Measurement precision
If liquid helium cooling is used for LTS SQUID, then detection sensitivity is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to expensive and troublesome cooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes high-temperature superconducting materials that operate at higher temperatures than traditional LTS materials. This parameter change in the operating temperature allows the use of liquid nitrogen cooling instead of liquid helium, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining high detection sensitivity through optimized SQUID design.
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
This approach improves the yield and sensitivity of HTS magnetic sensors by enabling the selection of suitable SQUIDs, reducing magnetic flux trapping, and maintaining a wide dynamic range, thus making them suitable for various applications without dependence on cooling methods or temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnetic sensor that includes a plurality of superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID) on a superconducting layer
Implementation Method 2
a SQUID has a closed loop structure consisting of a SQUID inductor and two Josephson junctions
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic flux Φs detected by the SQUID when an external magnetic field B is applied to the pickup coil
Data Source
AI summary
A high-temperature superconducting magnetic sensor having a superconducting layer formed on a substrate and a plurality of superconducting quantum interference devices fabricated on the superconducting layer, which includes: a plurality of input coils that are formed on the superconducting layer and connected to or magnetically coupled with each of the plurality of the superconducting quantum interference devices; a pickup coil that is formed on the superconducting layer and connected so as to form a closed loop together with the plurality of the input coils; and a plurality of trimming wires that are formed on the superconducting layer and can be cut off, while making a short-circuit between both ends of each of the plurality of the input coils.