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Journal of Applied Physics

Input noise in the hysteretic rf SQUID: Theory and experiment

J. N. Hollenhorst, R. P. Giffard

Published Mar 1, 1980• 19 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The spectral density of the low-frequency open-circuit intrinsic input noise of the hysteretic rf-biased SQUID is calculated. The noise level, which affects the optimized power sensitivity of the SQUID, is found to be strongly model dependent and thus also constitutes an interesting probe of device physics. The results of the calculation are significantly different from previous predictions. A direct measurement of the total input noise of a typical rf-biased SQUID system is reported. The results, which are consistent our calculation, correspond to a system noise temperature of 3.1±0.4 mK at a frequency of 1 kHz. This value is consistent with the Manley-Rowe equations and with previous experimentally determined upper limits.

DOI
10.1063/1.327782

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The theory of rf SQUID operation, including the effects of fluctuations, is discussed. The theory is in agreement with the large signal and small signal behavior of real devices under optimum conditions. The noise levels of many existing rf SQUID systems are substantially above those predicted on the basis of amplifier noise temperatures. All rf SQUIDs seem to exhibit excess noise of unknown origin at low input frequencies. The limitations of devices and future directions of development are considered.

•Jan 1, 1978•1 citation
The spectral density of the low-frequency open-circuit intrinsic input noise of the hysteretic rf-biased SQUID is calculated. The noise level, which affects the optimized power sensitivity of the SQUID, is found to be strongly model dependent and thus also constitutes an interesting probe of device physics. The results of the calculation are significantly different from previous predictions. A direct measurement of the total input noise of a typical rf-biased SQUID system is reported. The results, which are consistent our calculation, correspond to a system noise temperature of 3.1±0.4 mK at a frequency of 1 kHz. This value is consistent with the Manley-Rowe equations and with previous experimentally determined upper limits.
In this paper a discussion is given of the noise sources and sensitivity limits of the rf biased SQUID. Both the low critical current inductive and the higher critical current hysteretic devices are considered. The intrinsic SQUID noise is treated by considering the internal flux response of a SQUID ring to an applied rf flux. While approximate, this approach yields the most direct picture of the nature of the intrinsic noise. Circuit optimization procedures for maximizing SQUID performance under various operating conditions are also outlined. Finally the effects of non-ideal weak link behavior upon SQUID operation are treated. (Author)
This paper presents the results of an extensive study of the sensitivity-limiting noise sources in rf-biased SQUID flux detectors. Our investigation has included both experiments with point contact and thin-film SQUIDs and digital computer simulations. The paper begins with a discussion of rf SQUID operation, with special emphasis on those aspects that determine flux detector sensitivity. We then discuss the origin and consequences of intrinsic device noise in rf SQUID systems. We describe a straightforward technique for determining intrinsic noise amplitude directly from SQUID rf I–V characteristics. Deviations in the measured intrinsic noise of many devices from the Kurkijarvi-Webb prediction are attributed to departures from the ideal Josephson sinusoidal current-phase relation in the SQUID weak link. Kurkijarvf's SQUID tank circuit noise analysis is reviewed and we show how SQUID sensitivity can be maximized by an optimal coupling between SQUID ring and tank circuit. This optimal coupling depends upon circuit parameters, ring inductance, and weak-link properties. The analysis reveals that variations in the current-phase relation can result in a difference of as much as a factor of ten in the attainable sensitivity of two otherwise identical SQUID systems. We also suggest efforts in circuit design that are most likely to lead to further improvements in flux detector sensitivity. Finally, other factors, including external magnetic noise and underdamping of the SQUID ring, are discussed.
A simple method is developed for analysis of the RF SQUID in regime, where the bias frequency ω is comparable to the natural R/L frequency of the SQUID ring. The input impedance of the RF SQUID is calculated for various values of the parametersq = \omega L/R\leq \leq \pi/4, signal frequency and detuning of the rf bias frequency from tank circuit resonant frequency. It is shown, that both the input resistance and the input inductance may be positive or negative. Measurement of the real part of the input impedance of a hysteretic RF SQUID are described. The experimental data are in qualitative agreement with the prediction of the theory.
We have measured with high accuracy (100 ppm) and high precision (5--10 ppm) the impedance of a rf-driven resistive superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) as a function of the amplitude and frequency of the radio-frequency (rf) bias, as a function of the current bias, and as a function of several other circuit parameters. We have developed the coupled differential equations for the resistive SQUID and for the rf tank circuit. The fit of the solutions of these equations to the data for nonhysteretic junctions is excellent. We were unable to develop solutions for the hysteretic case and thus simply present examples of typical data obtained in order to illustrate the differences with the nonhysteretic case. The relationship of this study to noise thermometry using resistive SQUID's is indicated.
The theory of rf SQUID opteration, including the effects of fluctuations, is discussed. The theory is in agreement with the large signal and small signal behavior of real devices under optimum conditions. The noise levels of many existing rf SQUID systems are substantially above those predicted on the basis of amplifier noise temperatures. All rf SQUIDs seem to exhibit excess noise of unknown origin at low input frequencies. The limitations of devices and future directions of development are considered.
The theory of rf SQUID operation, including the effects of fluctuations, is discussed. The theory is in agreement with the large signal and small signal behavior of real devices under optimum conditions. The noise levels of many existing rf SQUID systems are substantially above those predicted on the basis of amplifier noise temperatures. All rf SQUIDs seem to exhibit excess noise of unknown origin at low input frequencies. The limitations of devices and future directions of development are considered.