Thermally Coupled Superconducting Switches for Faster State Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superconductor switching technologies face inefficiencies in transitioning between superconducting and non-superconducting states, particularly in high-speed applications, due to the size and geometry of superconductors impacting transition times.
Innovation Solution
Thermally-assisted switching methods are employed by positioning superconductors in proximity to each other with thermal coupling but negligible electrical coupling, allowing a small input current to transition one superconductor to a non-superconducting state, generating heat that triggers the second superconductor to also transition, thereby amplifying impedance and reducing switching time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional electrical coupling methods are used to switch superconductors, then electrical control is achieved, but switching time remains in nanoseconds due to size and geometry constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical coupling with thermal coupling between superconductors. By using thermal fields instead of electrical fields for switching control, the system achieves picosecond-scale switching speeds, overcoming the nanosecond limitations imposed by electrical coupling methods and the physical dimensions of superconducting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal field as an intermediary mechanism to transfer switching signals between superconductors. Instead of direct electrical coupling, heat serves as the mediator that triggers phase transitions in the superconducting material, enabling ultrafast switching while decoupling the electrical signals from the switching timing constraints.
2Loss of time
If superconductors are positioned closer to reduce thermal coupling time, then switching speed improves, but electrical coupling between superconductors increases causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermal fields as intermediaries to transfer energy and control signals between superconductors without direct electrical contact. This thermal mediation allows the superconductors to be positioned in close proximity for fast thermal coupling while maintaining electrical isolation, thereby preventing electrical interference and signal crosstalk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electrical coupling with thermal coupling to achieve proximity-based fast switching without electrical interference. By replacing the electrical interaction mechanism with thermal conduction, the system can position superconductors close together for rapid heat transfer while eliminating the harmful electrical coupling effects.
3Reliability
If larger superconductors are used to increase impedance, then signal isolation improves, but switching time increases to nanoseconds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter for switching control from electrical fields to thermal fields. This parameter change allows large superconducting components to maintain their high impedance and signal isolation properties while achieving picosecond-scale switching through thermal coupling, effectively decoupling the relationship between component size and switching speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical switching mechanisms with thermal switching mechanisms. This substitution enables large superconductors to switch states rapidly through thermal coupling, maintaining their impedance benefits for signal isolation while overcoming the slow switching times associated with conventional electrical methods.
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 significantly reduces switching time from nanoseconds to picoseconds, enhancing the speed and efficiency of superconductor components in high-speed applications by leveraging thermal transitions from non-superconducting to superconducting states.
Implementation Method 1
Superconductors are materials capable of operating in a superconducting state with zero electrical impedance under particular conditions
Implementation Method 2
a first superconducting component thermally coupled to the input component
Implementation Method 3
a first heating component electrically coupled to the electrical source
Data Source
AI summary
The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and circuits for reducing switch transition time of superconductor switches. In some embodiments, an electrical circuit includes: (i) an input component configured to generate heat in response to an electrical input; and (ii) a first superconducting component thermally-coupled to the input component. The electrical circuit is configured such that, in the absence of the electrical input, at least a portion of the first superconducting component is maintained in a non-superconducting state in the absence of the electrical input; and, in response to the electrical input, the first superconducting component transitions to a superconducting state.