Heater-Tunable SQUID Array for Post-Fabrication Impedance Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SQUID arrays require significant time and resource investment for fabrication adjustments to optimize DC and RF performance metrics for each new application or platform, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field detector with heater elements connected to SQUID elements, allowing impedance tuning via a tunable power source to adjust temperature, thereby correcting post-fabrication imperfections and optimizing DC and AC response without the need for new fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If SQUID arrays are fabricated with specific DC and RF performance metrics, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing time and resource investment increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing heater elements that can thermally tune the Josephson junctions after fabrication. By changing the temperature parameter of the junctions, the DC and RF performance metrics can be optimized without requiring new fabrication processes, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and fabrication time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the SQUID array tunable through thermal control. The heater elements enable dynamic adjustment of the Josephson junction characteristics, allowing the device to adapt its performance metrics after fabrication rather than requiring fixed fabrication parameters for each application
2Adaptability or versatility
If SQUID arrays are fabricated for each new application or platform, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and resource investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single SQUID array fabrication process that can serve multiple applications and platforms. The heater-tunable Josephson junctions enable one fabricated device to be adapted to different applications through thermal control, eliminating the need for separate fabrication processes for each application
Solution Approach 2:
By enabling post-fabrication parameter tuning through thermal control, the same fabricated SQUID array can be optimized for different applications by changing operational parameters rather than requiring different fabrication processes, thus improving ease of manufacture while maintaining adaptability
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
Enhances sensitivity and flexibility by enabling tuning of DC and AC response, reducing the need for new detector fabrication and optimizing performance across various applications and platforms.
Implementation Method 1
the heater element directly or indirectly adjusts a temperature of at least one Josephson junction
Implementation Method 2
A SQUID is a superconductor material loop containing at least one Josephson junction, which allows for the measurement of magnetic flux quanta when a magnetic field threads the superconducting loop
Implementation Method 3
A SQUID is a superconductor material loop containing at least one Josephson junction
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic field detector includes a substrate, two or more Josephson junctions, and one or more heater elements. The two or more of Josephson junctions are connected to each other by superconducting interconnected paths via a superconducting material and are arranged in an array. The one or more heater elements directly or indirectly adjust the temperature of at least one Josephson junction via a tunable power source.