SQUID Resistive Element Mobile Magnetic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
SQUID sensors face challenges in maintaining functionality while moving due to changes in the Earth's magnetic field, requiring a method to mitigate these changes without the need for a feedback loop.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a resistive element connected in series with the Josephson junctions in the superconducting loop of SQUIDs, which reduces DC response and 1/f noise, allowing the SQUID to operate effectively in mobile applications by attenuating voltage response and reducing flux trapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a feedback loop is used to mitigate changes in Earth's magnetic field during movement, then the SQUID sensor can maintain functionality, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the feedback loop from the SQUID system by introducing a resistive element that passively compensates for magnetic field changes during movement. This removes the complex active control system while maintaining the desired functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistive element provides self-compensation for magnetic field variations during movement without requiring external control or feedback. The system serves itself by using the inherent properties of the resistive element to maintain operational stability.
2Measurement precision
If a resistive element is added to reduce DC response and 1/f noise, then the SQUID performance in mobile applications improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the SQUID circuit by introducing a resistive element with specific resistance values. This modifies the DC response and 1/f noise characteristics to optimize performance for mobile applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistive element is a simple, inexpensive passive component that can be easily integrated into the SQUID circuit. It provides significant noise reduction benefits with minimal added complexity or cost.
3Measurement precision
If the SQUID is designed for high sensitivity to detect minute magnetic fields, then the measurement precision improves, but the device becomes more sensitive to environmental changes during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of Earth's magnetic field changes during movement into a beneficial compensation mechanism. The resistive element is designed to produce voltage changes that counteract the unwanted signal variations, turning environmental interference into a self-correcting feature.
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 solution enables SQUID sensors to maintain sensitivity and dynamic range in mobile applications, with reduced noise and flux trapping, enabling successful use in applications like magnetocardiography and geomagnetic exploration without the need for feedback loops.
Implementation Method 1
Josephson junctions are placed in the loop path. A Josephson junction is a region of material that provides a weak link between two fully superconducting regions.
Implementation Method 2
a resistive element connected in series with the Josephson junctions in the superconducting loop, which reduces DC response and 1/f noise
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) for mobile magnetic sensing applications comprising: at least two Josephson junction electrically connected to a superconducting loop; and a resistive element connected in series with one of the Josephson junctions in the superconducting loop. The resistive element is disposed in the same superconducting loop as the at least two Josephson junctions.