Phase modulation and complex SQUID circuits

S. A. Belonogov, Oleg V. Snigirev, S.S. Tinchev +1 more

Feng Li, Yuto Takeshita, Masamitsu Tanaka +1 more

We adopt superconductor/ferromagnet/insulator/superconductor (SFIS) Josephson junctions (JJs) as both switching JJs and intrinsic π phase shifters in superconductor digital circuits. The critical current density (Jc) and characteristic voltage (Vc) of the SFIS junctions are about 22 A/cm2 and 22 μV, respectively. The intrinsic π phase shift is confirmed by measuring the suppressed nominal critical current Icn and half-period-shifted modulation pattern of a π–π–π superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) that contains three π-JJs in a superconducting loop. A single-flux-quantum (SFQ) circuit composed of a DC/SFQ, Josephson transmission line (JTL), and SFQ/DC converter based on SFIS JJs alone is demonstrated at 4.2 K. The energy dissipation of the SFQ/DC converter decreases by 80% because some JJs are self-biased by the π phase shifter. The intrinsic circulating currents induced by the π phase shifters lead to a narrow bias margin (±5%) and even error function, which can be solved by parameters optimization or circuit initialization in the future. The half-modulation period (Φ0/2) of a half-flux-quantum (HFQ) SQUID (a partial HFQ JTL) exhibits propagation of HFQ between π–π–π SQUIDs, indicating that more complex HFQ circuits can be developed with π-JJs alone in the future.

M. Basler, W. Krech, K.Yu. Platov

Elie K. Track, Masoud Radparvar, S. M. Faris

A novel approach to modulating the inductance of a superconducting microstrip is described. This approach could be the basis for numerous practical applications, such as phase-shifters and high-frequency tuning elements. The physical mechanisms involved are quasiparticle injection, gap suppression, and penetration-depth modulation. The authors have investigated the modulation of the penetration depth of niobium and niobium nitride films by excess quasiparticle injection. To this effect, all niobium and all-niobium-nitride SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) circuits were designed and fabricated. These circuits allow quasiparticle injection into the inductive element of the SQUID. This injection is achieved by optical irradiation through an opening in a Nb reflective layer which partially masks the rest of the circuit or electronic current injection through a tunnel junction overlaid on the microstrip inductance. Penetration-depth modulation is achieved with both methods. The magnitude of the effect varies from 10% to over 200% change in inductance.>

Michael Mück, Matthias Korn, Chas Mugford +1 more

We have designed and tested a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) readout circuit, which can be operated at liquid helium temperatures. Although room-temperature SQUID electronics perform well, it is sometimes desirable to keep the wires between SQUID, readout electronics, and feedback coil as short as possible to minimize phase shifts and time delays. Cooling the readout circuit to low temperatures can also decrease its thermal noise. Our readout circuit uses conventional ac-flux modulation, which significantly reduces low frequency excess noise and drift in the preamplifier. In this case, simple complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor circuits with low power dissipation can be used as amplifier, phase-sensitive detector and integrator. The power dissipation of the complete readout is less than 15mW at 5V supply voltage.

John A. B. Mates, K. D. Irwin, Leila R. Vale +3 more