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Noise in the RF SQUID

L. D. Jackel, Robert A. Buhrman

Published Oct 1, 1974• 0 citations

Abstract

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.

Related papers

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)

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Current-phase relations and noise in rf biased squids

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An investigation has been made of the effect of the weak link current-phase relation on noise in rf biased SQUIDs. Non-sinusoidal current-phase relations have been observed in various weak links and these non-sinusoidal relations have been correlated with significantly increased intrinsic noise in the SQUID ring. The current-phase relation is also found to affect the amplitude of the rf SQUID ring dissipation. The result of a rf SQUID system noise analysis shows that, due to increased intrinsic noise and reduced ring dissipation, the minimum attainable noise for a SQUID ring having a very non-sinusoidal current-phase relation is considably greater than for a ring with a sinusoidal relation.

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Current-phase relations and noise in RF biased squids

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•Oct 1, 1974•0 citations

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1/f noise in radio frequency SQUIDs made of niobium thin films

Michael Mueck, John L. Clarke, Christoph Heiden

Applications of Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) usually require high sensitivity at relatively low frequencies, often down to 1 Hz or lower. Excess noise, typically with a spectral density scaling inversely as the frequency, can substantially reduce the sensitivity of SQUIDs at low frequencies. We have studied 1/f noise in niobium rf-SQUIDs in some detail. To reduce any noise contribution of the readout electronics, a cryogenic preamplifier was used. When one measures the signal voltage of the SQUID directly, a pronounced 1/f noise was observed in all samples, and was nearly independent of the bias frequency used. The crossover between 1/f and white noise moved towards higher frequencies as the bias frequency was increased, because of a lower white noise contribution. The 1/f noise scaled approximately as the inductance of the SQUID. When operated in a flux locked loop, however, no 1/f noise could be observed above 0.5 Hz. Operating a rf SQUID in a flux locked loop can thus substantially reduce 1/f noise in rf SQUIDs.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Jul 2, 1994•0 citations

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.

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)

An investigation has been made of the effect of the weak link current-phase relation on noise in rf biased SQUIDs. Non-sinusoidal current-phase relations have been observed in various weak links and these non-sinusoidal relations have been correlated with significantly increased intrinsic noise in the SQUID ring. The current-phase relation is also found to affect the amplitude of the rf SQUID ring dissipation. The result of a rf SQUID system noise analysis shows that, due to increased intrinsic noise and reduced ring dissipation, the minimum attainable noise for a SQUID ring having a very non-sinusoidal current-phase relation is considably greater than for a ring with a sinusoidal relation.

An investigation has been made of the effect of the weak link current-phase relation on noise in rf biased SQUIDs. Non-sinusoidal current-phase relations have been observed in various weak links and these non-sinusoidal relations have been correlated with significantly increased intrinsic noise in the SQUID ring. The current-phase relation is also found to affect the amplitude of the rf SQUID ring dissipation. The result of a rf SQUID system noise analysis shows that, due to increased intrinsic noise and reduced ring dissipation, the minimum attainable noise for a SQUID ring having a very non-sinusoidal current-phase relation is considably greater than for a ring with a sinusoidal relation.

Operating characteristics of rf-biased thin-film SQUID’s of diameter as large as 1 cm are reported. Observation on these SQUID’s have experimentally verified several of their conventionally assumed properties such as the dependence of the quantum interference signal on critical current of the weak link, total inductance of the SQUID, inductive coupling between drive coil and the SQUID, and random magnetic flux noise. A simple technique of lowering the inductance, and hence increasing the signal, of large-diameter SQUID’s is reported.

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.

Applications of Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) usually require high sensitivity at relatively low frequencies, often down to 1 Hz or lower. Excess noise, typically with a spectral density scaling inversely as the frequency, can substantially reduce the sensitivity of SQUIDs at low frequencies. We have studied 1/f noise in niobium rf-SQUIDs in some detail. To reduce any noise contribution of the readout electronics, a cryogenic preamplifier was used. When one measures the signal voltage of the SQUID directly, a pronounced 1/f noise was observed in all samples, and was nearly independent of the bias frequency used. The crossover between 1/f and white noise moved towards higher frequencies as the bias frequency was increased, because of a lower white noise contribution. The 1/f noise scaled approximately as the inductance of the SQUID. When operated in a flux locked loop, however, no 1/f noise could be observed above 0.5 Hz. Operating a rf SQUID in a flux locked loop can thus substantially reduce 1/f noise in rf SQUIDs.