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arXiv:2207.00339 · Physical Review Applied

Ultralinear Magnetic-Flux-To-Voltage Conversion in Superconducting Quantum Interference Proximity Transistors

Giorgio De Simoni, Francesco Giazotto

Published May 5, 2023• 5 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Superconducting interferometers are quantum devices able to transduce a magnetic flux into an electrical output with excellent sensitivity, integrability, and power consumption. Yet, their voltage response is intrinsically nonlinear, a limitation which is conventionally circumvented through the introduction of compensation inductances or by the construction of complex device arrays. Here we propose an intrinsically linear flux-to-voltage mesoscopic transducer, exploiting the superconducting quantum interference proximity transistor (SQUIPT) as a fundamental building block, called bi-SQUIPT. It provides a voltage-noise spectral density as low as approximately ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}16}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{V}/\mathrm{Hz}}^{1/2}$ and, more interestingly, under a proper operation parameter selection, exhibits a spur-free dynamic range as large as approximately $60$ dB, a value on par with that obtained with state-of-the-art linear flux-to-voltage superconducting transducers based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). Furthermore, thanks to its peculiar measurement configuration, the bi-SQUIPT is tolerant to imperfections and nonidealities in general. For the above reasons, we believe that the bi-SQUIPT could provide a relevant step beyond in the field of low-dissipation and low-noise current amplification with a special emphasis on applications in cryogenic quantum electronics.

DOI
10.1103/physrevapplied.19.054021

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Abstract Here we report the fabrication and characterization of fully superconducting quantum interference proximity transistors (SQUIPTs) based on the implementation of vanadium (V) in the superconducting loop. At low temperature, the devices show high flux-to-voltage (up to 0.52 mV/Φ0) and flux-to-current (above 12 nA/Φ0) transfer functions, with the best estimated flux sensitivity ~ 2.6 μΦ0/(Hz)1/2 reached under fixed voltage bias, where Φ0 is the flux quantum. The interferometers operate up to Tbath $$\simeq $$ ≃ 2 K, with an improvement of 70% of the maximal operating temperature with respect to early SQUIPTs design. The main features of the V-based SQUIPT are described within a simplified theoretical model. Our results open the way to the realization of SQUIPTs that take advantage of the use of higher-gap superconductors for ultra-sensitive nanoscale applications that operate at temperatures well above 1 K.

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Superconducting interferometers are quantum devices able to transduce a magnetic flux into an electrical output with excellent sensitivity, integrability, and power consumption. Yet, their voltage response is intrinsically nonlinear, a limitation which is conventionally circumvented through the introduction of compensation inductances or by the construction of complex device arrays. Here we propose an intrinsically linear flux-to-voltage mesoscopic transducer, exploiting the superconducting quantum interference proximity transistor (SQUIPT) as a fundamental building block, called bi-SQUIPT. It provides a voltage-noise spectral density as low as approximately 10\ensuremath−16V/Hz1/2{10}^{\ensuremath{-}16}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{V}/\mathrm{Hz}}^{1/2}10\ensuremath−16V/Hz1/2 and, more interestingly, under a proper operation parameter selection, exhibits a spur-free dynamic range as large as approximately 606060 dB, a value on par with that obtained with state-of-the-art linear flux-to-voltage superconducting transducers based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). Furthermore, thanks to its peculiar measurement configuration, the bi-SQUIPT is tolerant to imperfections and nonidealities in general. For the above reasons, we believe that the bi-SQUIPT could provide a relevant step beyond in the field of low-dissipation and low-noise current amplification with a special emphasis on applications in cryogenic quantum electronics.
Superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) are state-of-the-art in ultra-sensitive magnetometry; however, conventional SQUID devices are fundamentally limited by the inherently nonlinear and periodic nature of their transfer function. Although flux-locked loop (FLL) configurations can mitigate this issue, they introduce electronic complexity and bandwidth constraints that hinder scalability in quantum circuits. In this work, we present an experimental demonstration of the bi-SQUIPT, a flux transducer that modulates the density of states in a proximitized superconducting weak link. The device employs a dual-loop architecture with differential readout, which enables cancellation of non-linearities typical of individual elements, achieving a voltage swing of approximately 120 μμμV. Measurements yield a spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) of up to 60 dB, consistent with theoretical predictions and comparable to that of SQUID arrays, while maintaining power dissipation in the femtowatt range. The results further highlight a remarkable operational stability up to 600 mK, positioning the bi-SQUIPT as an enabling technology for high-density cryogenic quantum electronics.
Magnetometers exploiting interference effect of the superconducting wavefunction are known since the realization of the first SQUID, with several improvements in performance in the following years. In this field, the Superconducting Quantum Interference Proximity Transistor (SQUIPT) offers an interesting alternative to the conventional SQUID thanks to its lower power dissipation that makes it ideal for nanoscale and ultra-low temperature (T <; 1 mK) applications, where very low dissipation is required. Here, a device composed of two facing fully superconducting SQUIPT is proposed. Numerical simulations demonstrate how the interplay between the behaviours of a couple of tunnel junctions in such a design accounts for promising performances as both a flux-to-current and a flux-to-voltage transducer.
In quantum technology, several aspects of superconductivity such as proximity effect have studied to develop a wide range of attractive applications at sub-kelvin temperatures. A new type of interferometer based on the proximity effect, taking place around transparent interfaces between normal- and superconducting metals, the Superconducting Quantum Interference Proximity Transistor (SQUIPT), relies on the phase dependence of the density of states in the proximized weak link. The SQUIPT devices offer the possibility to realize sensitive low-dissipation magnetometers compared to conventional DC SQUIDs. In this thesis, we investigate the development of the sensitive SQUIPT magnetometers. \n \nThe first part of the thesis covers the characterization of non-hysteretic SQUIPTs with enhanced responsivity. In these structures, we demonstrate magnetic flux modulation of the device characteristics displaying no hysteresis at low temperatures by simply increasing the Josephson inductance of the weak link compared to self-inductance of the superconducting loop in the device. As a consequence, improvement in magnetic field responsivity is achievable. \n \nWe then turn to the implementation of SQUIPT devices based on different fabrication methods and superconductor materials for improving the device performance. In this aspect, we fabricate and characterize niobium-based SNS devices utilizing two separate lithography and deposition steps with strong Ar ion cleaning in between. We further investigate a prototype hybrid SQUIPT device based on an Nb-Cu-Nb SNS junction with a conventional Al probe in tunnel junction. \n \nIn the third part of the thesis, we present the flux noise characterization of a SQUIPT device using simultaneous measurement of DC transport properties and shot noise. To probe the noise, we use a cryogenic amplifier operating at frequencies in the range of a few MHz. We adapt this technique for flux noise measurements in SQUIPTs, adaptable also to low-temperature shot noise measurements of other nonlinear devices with high impedance. In order to investigate flux noise of SQUIPTs, we develop a model allowing one to optimize the figures of merit of the magnetometers such as the noise-equivalent flux.
In quantum technology, several aspects of superconductivity such as proximity effect have studied to develop a wide range of attractive applications at sub-kelvin temperatures. A new type of interferometer based on the proximity effect, taking place around transparent interfaces between normal- and superconducting metals, the Superconducting Quantum Interference Proximity Transistor (SQUIPT), relies on the phase dependence of the density of states in the proximized weak link. The SQUIPT devices offer the possibility to realize sensitive low-dissipation magnetometers compared to conventional DC SQUIDs. In this thesis, we investigate the development of the sensitive SQUIPT magnetometers. The first part of the thesis covers the characterization of non-hysteretic SQUIPTs with enhanced responsivity. In these structures, we demonstrate magnetic flux modulation of the device characteristics displaying no hysteresis at low temperatures by simply increasing the Josephson inductance of the weak link compared to self-inductance of the superconducting loop in the device. As a consequence, improvement in magnetic field responsivity is achievable. We then turn to the implementation of SQUIPT devices based on different fabrication methods and superconductor materials for improving the device performance. In this aspect, we fabricate and characterize niobium-based SNS devices utilizing two separate lithography and deposition steps with strong Ar ion cleaning in between. We further investigate a prototype hybrid SQUIPT device based on an Nb-Cu-Nb SNS junction with a conventional Al probe in tunnel junction. In the third part of the thesis, we present the flux noise characterization of a SQUIPT device using simultaneous measurement of DC transport properties and shot noise. To probe the noise, we use a cryogenic amplifier operating at frequencies in the range of a few MHz. We adapt this technique for flux noise measurements in SQUIPTs, adaptable also to low-temperature shot noise measurements of other nonlinear devices with high impedance. In order to investigate flux noise of SQUIPTs, we develop a model allowing one to optimize the figures of merit of the magnetometers such as the noise-equivalent flux.
Superconducting double-loop interferometers (bi-SQUIDs) have been introduced to produce magnetic flux sensors specifically designed to exhibit an ultrahighly linear voltage response as a function of the magnetic flux. These devices are very important for quantum sensing and for signal processing of signals oscillating in the radio-frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Here, we report an Al\mathrm{Al}Al double-loop bi-SQUID based on proximitized mesoscopic Cu\mathrm{Cu}Cu Josephson junctions. Such a scheme provides an alternative fabrication approach to conventional tunnel-junction-based interferometers, where the junction characteristics and, consequently, the magnetic-flux-to-voltage and magnetic-flux-to-critical-current device responses can be largely and easily tailored by the geometry of the metallic weak links. We discuss the performance of such sensors by showing a full characterization of the device switching current and voltage drop versus the magnetic flux for operation temperatures ranging from 30 mK to approximately 1K1\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}1K. The figures of merit of the transfer function and of the total harmonic distortion are also discussed. The latter provides an estimate of the linearity of the flux-to-voltage device response, which attains values as large as 45 dB. Such a result lets us foresee a performance already on par with that achieved in conventional tunnel-junction-based bi-SQUIDs arrays composed of hundreds of interferometers.
Abstract Here we report the fabrication and characterization of fully superconducting quantum interference proximity transistors (SQUIPTs) based on the implementation of vanadium (V) in the superconducting loop. At low temperature, the devices show high flux-to-voltage (up to 0.52 mV/Φ0) and flux-to-current (above 12 nA/Φ0) transfer functions, with the best estimated flux sensitivity ~ 2.6 μΦ0/(Hz)1/2 reached under fixed voltage bias, where Φ0 is the flux quantum. The interferometers operate up to Tbath ≃\simeq ≃ ≃ 2 K, with an improvement of 70% of the maximal operating temperature with respect to early SQUIPTs design. The main features of the V-based SQUIPT are described within a simplified theoretical model. Our results open the way to the realization of SQUIPTs that take advantage of the use of higher-gap superconductors for ultra-sensitive nanoscale applications that operate at temperatures well above 1 K.