Superconducting Impedance Multiplication via Thermal Phase Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack efficient methods for generating high impedance values, which are crucial for applications such as voltage dividers and reducing load on input signals.

Innovation Solution

The method involves positioning two superconductors in proximity with thermal coupling but negligible electrical coupling, and using a normal conductor to transition to a non-superconducting state, transferring heat to the second superconductor to create a larger non-superconducting region, thereby multiplying impedance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional methods are used to generate high impedance values, then impedance can be achieved, but the system lacks efficiency and requires larger input currents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput current efficiencyVSAvoidimpedance generation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the superconducting material by controlling temperature and current to induce transitions between superconducting and non-superconducting states. This parameter change enables impedance multiplication without requiring proportionally larger input currents, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through controlled state transitions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions of superconducting materials between superconducting and non-superconducting states to achieve impedance multiplication. By controlling the transition through temperature and current parameters, the system generates high impedance values efficiently with smaller input currents, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Use of energy by moving object

If superconductors are used to generate high impedance, then efficiency is improved, but heat management becomes critical during state transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent efficiencyVSAvoidheat generation during transition

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a thermal coupling mechanism as an intermediary between superconducting components. This thermal coupling allows controlled heat transfer during state transitions, managing the temperature changes that occur when superconductors transition between states. This enables efficient impedance generation while controlling the thermal effects that would otherwise be problematic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent accepts and manages the heat generation inherent in phase transitions of superconducting materials. By controlling the transition process through thermal coupling and parameter management, the system maintains high efficiency while preventing uncontrolled temperature rises, thus resolving the contradiction between efficiency improvement and heat management challenges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 allows for the generation of high impedance using a small input current, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in superconducting devices.

Implementation Method 1

a first electrically-insulating component that thermally couples the first superconducting component and the second superconducting component such that heat produced at the constriction region is transferred through the first component to the second superconducting component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal coupling: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

Superconductors are materials capable of operating in a superconducting state with zero electrical resistance under particular conditions. Additionally, in some circumstances, superconductors have high electrical resistance while in a non-superconducting state.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Implementation Method 3

the superconductors generate heat when operating in a non-superconducting state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12555932B2Methods and devices for impedance multiplication

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 PSIQUANTUM CORP

AI summary

An example electric circuit includes a superconducting component having a first terminal and a second terminal, the superconducting component including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion electrically connecting the first portion with the second portion. The example circuit also includes an electrically-insulating component that thermally couples the first portion with the second portion such that heat produced in response to the first portion transitioning to a non-superconducting state is transferred through the electrically-insulating component to the second portion. The example circuit further includes an input component coupled to the first portion, the input component configured to supply an input to the first portion, and an output component coupled to the second terminal of the superconducting component, the output component configured to be responsive to a voltage drop across the superconducting component.