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Rf SQUIDs: the state of the science

R. P. Giffard

Published Jan 1, 1978• 1 citation
OpenAlex

Abstract

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.

Related papers

rf SQUIDSs: The state of the science

R. P. Giffard

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.

AIP conference proceedings•Jan 1, 1978•5 citations

Noise limitations of RF SQUIDs

Robert A. Buhrman

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)

De Gruyter eBooks•Dec 31, 1977•2 citations

Radio-frequency amplifiers based on dc SQUIDs

Michael Mück, R. McDermott

SQUIDs are an attractive candidate for the amplification of low-level rf and microwave signals. Compared to semiconductor amplifiers, they offer lower noise and much lower power dissipation. Especially at frequencies below 1 GHz, the improvement in noise temperature compared to the best cold semiconductor amplifiers can be as high as 50; noise temperatures only slightly above the quantum limit have been achieved in this frequency range. This article will review the current status of radio-frequency amplifiers based on dc SQUIDs and provide detailed discussions of amplifier noise temperature, input and output impedance, and nonlinearities.

Superconductor Science and Technology•Jul 19, 2010•49 citations

Performance factors in rf SQUIDs--High frequency limit

Robert A. Buhrman, L. D. Jackel

The mode of operation of rf SQUIDs in the limit where the bias frequency ω exceeds the natural R/L frequency of the SQUID ring is analyzed. Optimum coupling conditions are presented and the intrinsic noise limits are discussed.

IEEE Transactions on Magnetics•Jan 1, 1977•24 citations

Input noise in the hysteretic rf SQUID: Theory and experiment

J. N. Hollenhorst, R. P. Giffard

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.

Journal of Applied Physics•Mar 1, 1980•19 citations

Investigation and reduction of excess low-frequency noise in rf superconducting quantum interference devices

Michael Mück, Christoph Heiden, John L. Clarke

A detailed study has been made of the low-frequency excess noise of rf superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), fabricated from thin niobium films and operated at 4.2 K, with rf bias frequencies of 0.15, 1.7, and 3 GHz. When the SQUIDs were operated in an open-loop configuration in the absence of low-frequency flux modulation, the demodulated rf voltage exhibited a substantial level 1/f noise, which was essentially independent of the rf bias frequency. As the rf bias frequency was increased, the crossover frequency at which the 1/f noise power was equal to the white noise power moved to higher frequencies, because of the reduction in white noise. On the other hand, when the SQUID was flux modulated at 50 kHz and operated in a flux locked loop, no 1/f noise was observed at frequencies above 0.5 Hz. A detailed description of how the combination of rf bias and flux modulation removes 1/f noise due to critical current fluctuations is given. Thus, the results demonstrate that the 1/f noise observed in these SQUIDs is generated by critical current fluctuations, rather than by the hopping of flux vortices in the niobium films.

Journal of Applied Physics•May 1, 1994•26 citations
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.
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.
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)
SQUIDs are an attractive candidate for the amplification of low-level rf and microwave signals. Compared to semiconductor amplifiers, they offer lower noise and much lower power dissipation. Especially at frequencies below 1 GHz, the improvement in noise temperature compared to the best cold semiconductor amplifiers can be as high as 50; noise temperatures only slightly above the quantum limit have been achieved in this frequency range. This article will review the current status of radio-frequency amplifiers based on dc SQUIDs and provide detailed discussions of amplifier noise temperature, input and output impedance, and nonlinearities.
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.
A detailed study has been made of the low-frequency excess noise of rf superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), fabricated from thin niobium films and operated at 4.2 K, with rf bias frequencies of 0.15, 1.7, and 3 GHz. When the SQUIDs were operated in an open-loop configuration in the absence of low-frequency flux modulation, the demodulated rf voltage exhibited a substantial level 1/f noise, which was essentially independent of the rf bias frequency. As the rf bias frequency was increased, the crossover frequency at which the 1/f noise power was equal to the white noise power moved to higher frequencies, because of the reduction in white noise. On the other hand, when the SQUID was flux modulated at 50 kHz and operated in a flux locked loop, no 1/f noise was observed at frequencies above 0.5 Hz. A detailed description of how the combination of rf bias and flux modulation removes 1/f noise due to critical current fluctuations is given. Thus, the results demonstrate that the 1/f noise observed in these SQUIDs is generated by critical current fluctuations, rather than by the hopping of flux vortices in the niobium films.