Superconducting Quantum Interference Device Readout Research Articles

Superconducting quantum interference device readout circuit with tunable feedback polarity.

Feedback circuits, which act as functional units in superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) readout circuits, such as positive feedback circuits for suppressing the preamplifier noise contribution or negative feedback circuits for increasing the linear flux range of SQUID, enable SQUIDs to achieve high performance in practical applications. Integrating feedback circuits with different functions into a single SQUID chip contributes to the construction of highly compact SQUID electronics. Here, we propose a SQUID readout circuit with tunable feedback polarity (TFP). The switching of the feedback polarity is easily realized by applying a control current to the superconducting switches integrated into the SQUID chip. The enhancement of the flux-to-voltage transfer coefficient or the linear flux range depends on the choice of feedback polarity. In addition, we introduce a two-stage scheme to address the degraded noise performance induced by negative feedback. This work attempts to develop a compact and versatile architecture of SQUID readout by using a set of compatible superconducting technologies.

Error Calibration for Crosstalk of SQUIDs in Full Tensor Magnetic Gradiometer Based on Moore–Penrose Inverse and Helmholtz Coil

In order to calibrate crosstalk error between superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometers in a multichannel SQUID system, we propose an innovative error calibration method for crosstalk of SQUID magnetometers based on the Moore–Penrose inverse method and Helmholtz coil in this article and successfully apply it to an eight-channel SQUID magnetometers based full tensor magnetic gradiometer (FTMG). We first analyze the causes of crosstalk through working principle of the SQUID readout circuit and build the crosstalk error model of the eight-channel FTMG. Then, we introduce the solution method of 56 crosstalk coefficients based on the Moore–Penrose inverse method and the construction method of matrix needed for solution based on Helmholtz coil. The effect of nonuniformity of Helmholtz coil on the calibration of crosstalk is analyzed and calculated. The effectiveness of the proposed method is proved by repetitive simulation and comparative experiments. Compared with the traditional direct measurement method, this method has the advantage of high efficiency, and the more the channels of SQUID, the more obvious is the superiority.

YBa$_{2}$Cu$_{3}$O$_{7-\delta }$Single Flux Quantum Flip Flop Directly Written With a Focused Helium Ion Beam

Superconducting logic circuits based on low transition temperature (T <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">c</sub> ) are attractive due to their intrinsic low power consumption and high operating frequency. They have a wide variety of applications (particularly in future computing), but are difficult to use because they require cooling with liquid helium to operate. The current high T <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">c</sub> logic circuit based on YBa <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> Cu <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sub> O <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">7-δ</sub> (YBCO) already has the ability to operate at a temperature above 4 K. However, this material is difficult to integrate into large-scale circuits by the traditional YBCO junction fabrication process. The limits of fabrication methods are the bottleneck stifling this material's potential for integration into logic circuits. As such, in this paper we aim to advance the state of the art in junction fabrication technology. Here we report the demonstration of a high T <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">c</sub> superconducting single flux quantum (SFQ) circuit made by a focused helium ion beam that is easily fabricated and can readily be incorporated into a large-scale integration with nano-scale junctions for future applications. An inductively coupled readout superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) is employed to reduce the circuit complexity. The circuit parameters and performance are discussed.

A Practical Two-Stage SQUID Readout Circuit Improved With Proportional Feedback Schemes

Nonlinearity with multiple working points limits the practical applications of a two-stage superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) readout circuit, which is promising for low-noise performance. To solve this problem, we proposed a simple two-stage SQUID readout circuit with two conventional dc SQUIDs improved with proportional feedback schemes, where transfer coefficient of the first-stage SQUID circuit is enhanced by additional positive feedback circuit; transfer characteristics of the second-stage SQUID circuit are linearized by an additional negative feedback circuit. Two proportional feedback schemes are cooperated together based on matching conditions to achieve both noise suppression and working point matching. Working principles were verified in experiment results. The overall transfer characteristics achieved have only one working point and are simply adjusted according to the voltage swing of an amplifier. Transfer coefficient of the first-stage SQUID circuit was raised up to 10 (20 dB), and the total flux noise of two-stage SQUID readout circuit was reduced below 1 μΦ 0 /√Hz, where Φ 0 = 2.07×10 -15 Wb. Our two-stage SQUID readout circuit is easy-to-operate and suited for high-performance practical SQUID systems.

Characterization of Transition Edge Sensors for the Simons Observatory

The Simons Observatory is building both large (6 m) and small (0.5 m) aperture telescopes in the Atacama desert in Chile to observe the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation with unprecedented sensitivity. Simons Observatory telescopes in total will use over 60,000 transition edge sensor (TES) detectors spanning center frequencies between 27 and 285 GHz and operating near 100 mK. TES devices have been fabricated for the Simons Observatory by NIST, Berkeley, and HYPRES/SeeQC corporation. Iterations of these devices have been tested cryogenically in order to inform the fabrication of further devices, which will culminate in the final TES designs to be deployed in the field. The detailed design specifications have been independently iterated at each fabrication facility for particular detector frequencies. We present test results for prototype devices, with emphasis on NIST high frequency detectors. A dilution refrigerator was used to achieve the required temperatures. Measurements were made both with 4-lead resistance measurements and with a time domain Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) multiplexer system. The SQUID readout measurements include analysis of current vs voltage (IV) curves at various temperatures, square wave bias step measurements, and detector noise measurements. Normal resistance, superconducting critical temperature, saturation power, thermal and natural time constants, and thermal properties of the devices are extracted from these measurements.

Code-division-multiplexed readout of large arrays of TES microcalorimeters

Code-division multiplexing (CDM) offers a path to reading out large arrays of transition edge sensor (TES) X-ray microcalorimeters with excellent energy and timing resolution. We demonstrate the readout of X-ray TESs with a 32-channel flux-summed code-division multiplexing circuit based on superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) amplifiers. The best detector has energy resolution of 2.28 ± 0.12 eV FWHM at 5.9 keV and the array has mean energy resolution of 2.77 ± 0.02 eV over 30 working sensors. The readout channels are sampled sequentially at 160 ns/row, for an effective sampling rate of 5.12 μs/channel. The SQUID amplifiers have a measured flux noise of 0.17 μΦ0/√Hz (non-multiplexed, referred to the first stage SQUID). The multiplexed noise level and signal slew rate are sufficient to allow readout of more than 40 pixels per column, making CDM compatible with requirements outlined for future space missions. Additionally, because the modulated data from the 32 SQUID readout channels provide information on each X-ray event at the row rate, our CDM architecture allows determination of the arrival time of an X-ray event to within 275 ns FWHM with potential benefits in experiments that require detection of near-coincident events.

Dependence of SQUID Intrinsic Flux Noise on Stewart–McCumber Parameter &lt;inline-formula&gt; &lt;tex-math notation="LaTeX"&gt;$\beta_{c}$&lt;/tex-math&gt; &lt;/inline-formula&gt; of Josephson Junction

It is known that three superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) parameters, namely, the intrinsic flux noise δΦ s , the flux-to-voltage transfer coefficient ∂V/∂Φ, and the dynamic resistance R d , increase with increasing the Stewart- McCumber parameter β c of Josephson junction. It is very difficult to obtain the low values of δΦ s for a strongly damped SQUID due to its small ∂V/∂Φ. In this paper, we employ a two-stage scheme (TSS) to measure δΦ s directly. Here, we use single chip readout electronics and a weakly damped SQUID with a β c of flux noise of the readout-SQUID system is about 4.8 μΦ 0 /√Hz 1.2, both acting as a readout-SQUID system (a preamplifier). The with a corner frequency of about 10 Hz. The front-end SQUID is coupled to the readout SQUID via the input coil with a mutual inductance of M i . In our experiment, the flux gain for a readout SQUID, i.e., G Φ = M i × (∂I/∂Φ) front-end is adjusted to be 20. Using the TSS, we measured δΦ s with different β c changing from 0.3 to 13.5 and found δΦ s increasing from 1.0 to 5.0 μΦ 0 /√Hz. We also discussed the relations between L s , β c , and δΦ s quantitatively. Finally, we proposed designing a suitable β c to match the preamplifier in a direct readout scheme to simplify a SQUID measurement system.

Superconducting Pathways Through Kilopixel Backshort–Under–Grid Arrays

We have demonstrated in the laboratory multiple, fully functional, kilopixel, bolometer arrays for the upgraded instrument, the High-resolution airborne wideband camera plus (HAWC+), for the stratospheric observatory for infrared astronomy (SOFIA). Each kilopixel array consists of three individual components assembled into a single working unit: (1) a filled, Transition Edge Sensor (TES) bolometer array, (2) an infrared, back-termination, and (3) an integrated, two-dimensional superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) multiplexer readout. Kilopixel TES arrays are directly indium-bump-bonded to a 32 \(\times \) 40 SQUID multiplexer (MUX) circuit. In order to provide a fully superconducting pathway from the TES to the SQUID readout, numerous superconductor-to-superconductor interfaces must be made. This paper focuses on the fabrication techniques needed to create the superconducting path from the TES, out of the detector membrane, through the wafer, and to the SQUID readout.

Two-Pole Integrator SQUID Readout Electronics With High Slew Rate and Small Closed-Loop Frequency Response Peak

Direct-readout electronics with high slew rate and small closed-loop frequency response peak is described by using a two-pole integrator for superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) applications. In our experiment, a weakly damped niobium-SQUID magnetometer with a large flux-to-voltage transfer coefhcient ∂V/∂Φ of about 380 μV/Φ <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">0</sub> was used to suppress the contribution of direct-readout preampliher noise. A two-stage preampliher was employed, and integrator parameters were optimized to extend the system slew rate, while minimizing the closed-loop frequency response peak. A slew rate of 2.7 Φ <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">0</sub> /μs (at 10 kHz) is achieved with only 1-dB peak at 50 kHz in closed-loop frequency response, which means higher system stability. This system was verihed by recording undistorted transient electromagnetic held bipolar square-pulse signals, which required high slew rate and broad bandwidth.

Working Point Adjustable DC-SQUID for the Readout of Gap Tunable Flux Qubit

In flux qubits, qubit states are commonly read out by a dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), which is inductively coupled to the qubit and works as a persistent current detector. However, neither the bottom nor the top regions of the critical current modulation curve of the SQUID can be used for the readout. In this paper, we show that a flux-trap loop inserted to the readout SQUID provides the ability to adjust the working point, which helps to avoid this constraint. This improvement is useful for some complicated flux qubit experiments.

Dynamical cancellation of pulse-induced transients in a metallic shielded room for ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging

Pulse-induced transients such as eddy currents can cause problems in measurement techniques where a signal is acquired after an applied preparatory pulse. In ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging, performed in magnetic fields typically of the order of 100 μT, the signal-to-noise ratio is enhanced in part by prepolarizing the proton spins with a pulse of much larger magnetic field and in part by detecting the signal with a Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID). The pulse turn-off, however, can induce large eddy currents in the shielded room, producing an inhomogeneous magnetic-field transient that both seriously distorts the spin dynamics and exceeds the range of the SQUID readout. It is essential to reduce this transient substantially before image acquisition. We introduce dynamical cancellation (DynaCan), a technique in which a precisely designed current waveform is applied to a separate coil during the later part and turn off of the polarizing pulse. This waveform, which bears no resemblance to the polarizing pulse, is designed to drive the eddy currents to zero at the precise moment that the polarizing field becomes zero. We present the theory used to optimize the waveform using a detailed computational model with corrections from measured magnetic-field transients. SQUID-based measurements with DynaCan demonstrate a cancellation of 99%. Dynamical cancellation has the great advantage that, for a given system, the cancellation accuracy can be optimized in software. This technique can be applied to both metal and high-permeability alloy shielded rooms, and even to transients other than eddy currents.

Superconducting quantum interference device microsusceptometer balanced over a wide bandwidth for nuclear magnetic resonance applications.

Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) microsusceptometers have been widely used to study magnetic properties of materials at microscale. As intrinsically balanced devices, they could also be exploited for direct SQUID-detection of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) from micron sized samples, or for SQUID readout of mechanically detected NMR from submicron sized samples. Here, we demonstrate a double balancing technique that enables achievement of very low residual imbalance of a SQUID microsusceptometer over a wide bandwidth. In particular, we can generate ac magnetic fields within the SQUID loop as large as 1 mT, for frequencies ranging from dc up to a few MHz. As an application, we demonstrate direct detection of NMR from (1)H spins in a glycerol droplet placed directly on top of the 20 μm SQUID loops.

Optical transmission modules for multi-channel superconducting quantum interference device readouts

We developed an optical transmission module consisting of 16-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC), digital-noise filter, and one-line serial transmitter, which transferred Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) readout data to a computer by a single optical cable. A 16-channel ADC sent out SQUID readouts data with 32-bit serial data of 8-bit channel and 24-bit voltage data at a sample rate of 1.5 kSample/s. A digital-noise filter suppressed digital noises generated by digital clocks to obtain SQUID modulation as large as possible. One-line serial transmitter reformed 32-bit serial data to the modulated data that contained data and clock, and sent them through a single optical cable. When the optical transmission modules were applied to 152-channel SQUID magnetoencephalography system, this system maintained a field noise level of 3 fT/√Hz @ 100 Hz.

Study on transmission characteristics of matching transformer in DC superconducting quantum interference device readout

In a magnetic flux modulated DC superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) readout, the matching transformer could realize the function of signal amplification and impedance matching, which is the key element of a low noise SQUID readout. We use a simulated DC SQUID readout to test the characteristics of matching transformer, study the transmission characteristics of transformer with different turns, and confirm its best turn ratio. In the coupling network that the transformer picks up voltage signals of SQUID, We also study the transmission characteristics of transformers with different matching capacitances, realize the matching of the parameters and the optimization in the transformer coupling network. At room temperature, for the matching transformer with a turn ratio of 1:20, when matching capacitance is 1 μF, the gain of output voltage source could reach 21.2 and its bandwidth could reach 210 kHz. Finally, in magnetic flux modulation DC SQUID readout, we evaluate the performance of the matching transformer.

Cryogenic Integrated Offset Compensation for Time Domain SQUID Multiplexing

Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) multiplexing is a common technique in the use of large arrays of Transition Edge Sensors (TES). A Time Domain Multiplexer (TDM) combines input TES signals into one output signal using several SQUIDs. Different TES, SQUID and amplifier characteristics induce unavoidable different offsets on the multiplexed signal. Additionally, given the periodicity of the SQUID characteristic, the Flux Locked Loop (FLL) operating point is only defined modulo Φ 0. This can lead to a large output offset. In multiplexed mode, the difference between offsets associated with different pixels can induce a parasitic signal which is often larger than that of the TES. These offset signals drastically constrain the readout dynamic range and thus the maximum gain allowed. They also limit the signal-to-noise ratio, the FLL stability and the multiplexing frequency. Offsets in SQUID readout are discussed and offset compensation for TDM is presented. The dynamic calibration and compensation on a simplified 4:1 TDM are demonstrated in simulation. Dynamic offset compensation is being implemented on a cryogenic SiGe integrated circuit operated at 4 K for 128:1 TDM.

Ultra-low-noise MoCu transition edge sensors for space applications

A study of ultra-low-noise MoCu transition edge sensors (TESs) has been performed in the context of realizing the highly sensitive far infrared imaging arrays needed for the next generation of space telescopes. More than 50 TESs, on four different chips, cut out of two different wafers were characterized. The TESs were in the form of 16-element arrays and were read out using superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) time division multiplexing. The devices were fabricated on 200-nm-thick silicon nitride membranes, with leg widths and lengths covering the ranges of 1–4 μm and 160–960 μm, respectively. The apparent critical temperatures varied over 110–127 mK, but it is shown that much of the variation was due to differential loading by stray light, amounting to 2 ± 2 fW across the array. The measured thermal conductances to the heat bath spanned the range 0.12–1.1 pW/K, with the lowest values being typical of those needed for ultra-low-noise operation. We also studied the inherent variation in the conductances of 15 nominally identical TESs on the same chip and found a value of ±10%, which is higher than that seen on our high-conductance devices designed for ground-based operation. We measured and modeled the electrical input impedance of a subset of these TESs, and studied their step responses. The models, based on previously determined material parameters, are in excellent agreement with the measurements. Dark noise spectra were recorded and compared with the same electrothermal models using the same parameters as the dynamical simulations. The measured noise is reasonably well described by the sum of the contributions from phonon noise in the legs, Johnson noise in the bilayer, and SQUID readout noise. Dark noise equivalent powers as low as 4.2 × 10−19 W/Hz were measured. The NEP was higher than the theoretical limit by a factor of about 1.6.

Suppression of ringing in the tuned input circuit of a SQUID detector used in low-fieldNMR measurements

In low-field NMR measurements, we employ a high temperature superconductingquantum interference device (SQUID) as a detector with an inductively coupledliquid-nitrogen-cooled LC tuned input circuit. However, ringing across the LCcircuit appears after the sudden switch-off of the prepolarizing magnetic field. Thisringing leads to instability of the SQUID readout and prevents the acquisition ofshort-relaxation-time signals. We developed and tested two simple and effective FET-basedQ switch circuits with adjustable parameters which suppress the ringing. Each of theseQ switches makes it possible to record free induction decay signals with a Larmor frequencyof 1.2 kHz and an effective relaxation time constant of 30 ms. A gradually changing currentcaused by the release of charges stored in the p–n junction of the FET, which delays theQ value recovery of the LC circuit, can only be observed by the SQUID because of itsfrequency-independent sensitivity.

Towards an electrowetting-based digital microfluidic platform for magnetic immunoassays

We demonstrate ElectroWetting-On-Dielectric (EWOD) transport and SQUID gradiometer detection of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) suspended in a 2 microl de-ionized water droplet. This proof-of-concept methodology constitutes the first development step towards a highly sensitive magnetic immunoassay platform with SQUID readout and droplet-based sample handling. Magnetic AC-susceptibility measurements were performed on MNPs with a hydrodynamic diameter of 100 nm using a high-Tc dc Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) gradiometer as detector. We observed that the signal amplitude per unit volume is 2.5 times higher for a 2 microl sample droplet compared to a 30 microl sample volume.

ADVANCED HYBRID SQUID MULTIPLEXER CONCEPT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF ASTRONOMICAL INSTRUMENTS

The Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) has been used and proposed often to read out low-temperature detectors for astronomical instruments. A multiplexed SQUID readout for currently envisioned astronomical detector arrays, which will have tens of thousands of pixels, is still challenging with the present technology. We present a new, advanced multiplexing concept and its prototype development that will allow for the readout of 1,000–10,000 detectors with only three pairs of wires and a single microwave coaxial cable.

Development of superconducting contacts for the CRESST II 66-channel superconducting quantum interference device readout system

The CRESST experiment is designed to search for weakly interacting massive particle dark matter with cryogenic detectors. CRESST II will use up to 33 CaWO(4) crystals with a total mass of approximately 10 kg. These many detectors require a readout system based on 66-channel superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). In this article we report on the development of a modular superconducting connector for the 66-channel SQUID readout circuit. We show that the technique developed reliably produces superconducting contacts.