Highly linear proximity-based double-loop SQUID operating above 4 K
Abstract
We demonstrate a highly linear superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) interferometer based on a double-loop (Bi-SQUID) architecture incorporating three superconductor-normal metal-superconductor ( S - N - S ) junctions. Fabricated using niobium-gold technology, the device exhibits robust operation at liquid helium temperatures, with a superconducting transition temperature of 8.5 K. The dc flux-to-voltage transfer function demonstrates sharp, symmetric, and highly linear behavior at temperatures up to 5 K. Bi-SQUIDs featuring our single-element S - N - S design represent an interesting and original approach to this field, as they exhibit a numerically estimated spurious-free dynamic range linearity exceeding 60 dB, achieved in a single element, simplifying the requirements in terms of arrays containing hundreds of junctions. These results highlight the potential of proximity-based Bi-SQUIDs for compact and highly linear cryogenic interferometric devices, motivating future investigations of their dynamic and noise performance for applied implementations such as quantum sensing, magnetometry, and biomedical diagnostics.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Physics of Superconductivity and Magnetism
Superconducting and THz Device Technology
Quantum and electron transport phenomena
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical Review Applied
- Publisher
- American Physical Society (APS)
- Volume
- 25
- Issue
- 5
- Publication date
- 16 April 2026
- Language
- EN