Switchable Josephson Junction Array for Adaptive Magnetic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices based on Josephson junctions, particularly SQUIDs in SQIFs, are difficult to control and adapt for optimal response in magnetic field detection, requiring precise control of individual SQUID properties and facing challenges in analyzing sinusoidal voltage responses due to complex magnetic field interactions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a substrate with multiple superconducting electrical conductors and junctions, where control members can switch each junction between forming a Josephson junction and preventing Cooper pair passage, allowing for dynamic configuration and improved control through a system with a control module that can pivot and switch junctions to optimize magnetic field sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If SQUIDs are used in SQIFs for magnetic field detection, then sensitivity to magnetic fields is improved, but control and adaptability of the device becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the superconducting conductor into multiple sections, each section containing a set of Josephson junctions that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows individual control of junction groups while maintaining overall device functionality, resolving the contradiction between achieving high sensitivity through multiple junctions and maintaining control adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic control by allowing the device to switch between different operational configurations - junctions can be dynamically activated or deactivated based on control signals. This dynamic reconfigurability enables the device to adapt to different measurement conditions while maintaining high magnetic field sensitivity, directly addressing the control adaptability issue.
2Measurement precision
If multiple SQUIDs are interconnected in SQIFs, then magnetic field sensitivity is improved, but analysis of voltage responses becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple junction responses within each controlled section to produce a collective voltage output that reflects the magnetic field exposure. By combining junctions in controllable groups rather than individually interconnecting all SQUIDs, the device achieves high sensitivity while simplifying voltage analysis through standardized section-based response patterns.
3Measurement precision
If properties of individual SQUIDs are finely controlled to optimize SQIF response, then magnetic field detection performance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements become excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality control by allowing different sections or groups of junctions to have different properties optimized for specific functions. Rather than requiring all SQUIDs to have identical finely-controlled properties, each section can be tailored with appropriate characteristics, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining optimized performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes by allowing control over operational parameters such as bias current distribution and junction activation states. This enables optimization of SQIF response through parameter adjustment rather than relying solely on precise manufacturing of individual SQUID properties, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 device provides enhanced controllability and adaptability, compensating for manufacturing inaccuracies and improving sensitivity to magnetic fields, enabling better performance as an antenna or sensor by dynamically adjusting junction configurations and optimizing surface areas exposed to magnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
A Josephson junction is formed by two superconductors separated by a non-superconducting barrier. The barrier is thin enough for Cooper pairs to pass through it, and thus transit from one superconductor to the other, by tunneling if the barrier layer is electrically insulating, or by classical electronic transport otherwise. Indeed, according to the Josephson effect, the Cooper pair wave function of the first superconductor extends through the barrier, into the second superconductor where it interferes with the Cooper pair wave function of the second superconductor.
Implementation Method 2
Superconductivity is the characteristic of certain so-called superconducting materials of exhibiting zero electrical resistance when their temperature is below a temperature called the critical temperature. Superconductivity is caused by the formation of Cooper pairs of two electrons in the material.
Implementation Method 3
A SQUID is formed by a superconducting loop comprising two Josephson junctions arranged in parallel. As is known, the electric currents flowing in the loop are affected by any magnetic field passing through it, so that the voltage value between the two sides of each junction is modified. Thus, by measuring the voltage across the SQUID, it is possible to deduce the value of the local magnetic field, which is why SQUIDs are frequently used in highly sensitive magnetic field detectors.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (15) comprising a set of superconductive conductors (30A, 30B), of junctions (35) and of control members, each conductor (30A, 30B) comprising a first segment (50) extending in a first direction (X) and a set of second segments (55), the first segments (50) being offset with respect to one another in a second direction (Y), at least three junctions (35) being interposed in the second direction (Y) between each pair of successive first segments (50), each junction (35) being connected to the first segment (50) of each of the conductors (30A, 30B) between which the junction (35) is interposed by a second segment (55) of said conductor (30A, 30B), each control member being configured to switch the associated junction (35) between a configuration in which the junction (35) forms a Josephson junction and a configuration in which the junction (35) blocks Cooper pairs.