We present a novel formulation for SQUID operation, which enables us to evaluate and compare the sensitivity and applicability of different devices. SQUID magnetometers for low-frequency applications are analyzed, taking into account the coupling circuits and electronics. We discuss nonhysteretic and hysteretic single-junction rf SQUIDs, but the main emphasis is on the dynamics, sensitivity, and coupling considerations of dc-SQUID magnetometers. A short review of current ideas on thin-film, dc-SQUID design presents the problems in coupling and the basic limits of sensitivity. The fabrication technology of tunnel-junction devices is discussed with emphasis on how it limits critical current densities, specific capacitances of junctions, minimum linewidths, conductor separations, etc. Properties of high-temperature superconductors are evaluated on the basis of recently published results on increased flux creep, low density of current carriers, and problems in fabricating reliable junctions. The optimization of electronics for different types of SQUIDs is presented. Finally, the most important low-frequency applications of SQUIDs in biomagnetism, metrology, geomagnetism, and some physics experiments demonstrate the various possibilities that state-of-the-art SQUIDs can provide.

SQUID magnetometers for low-frequency applications

Microwave study of the critical state in high-Tc superconductors

We have investigated, experimentally and theoretically, the magnetic flux which threads a YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− x cylinder sample at 77 K when a weak low frequency ac magnetic field is applied. We explain the highly nonlinear magnetic response in great detail quantitatively, using a critical state model where during each ac cycle, intergranular (Josephson) vortices sweep in and out of the cylinder. The Josephson vortex pinning force is found to be field independent and several orders of magnitude smaller than in conventional type II superconductors. This explains the weak shielding properties and low critical current density found in this material. At magnetic fields greater than about 50 Oe, vortices start to enter the superconducting grains.

Josephson vortices and flux penetration in high temperature superconductors

A study of field trapping by the incomplete Meissner effect was performed on YBa2Cu3O7−x at 77 K on both sintered and oriented grain samples. Fields of up to BT=1280 G have been trapped in small, oriented grain, planar samples. Circulating persistent current densities of up to 4800 A/cm2 are calculated. Based on these values hollow cylinders of 2 cm i.d. will trap fields of 6000 G. Initial creep is about 10%/week for both types of samples. Creep rate varies as (BT/BT,max)2. BT, due to an external field B0, is BT∝(1−e−cB0/BT,max). Lamination and mosaic assembly steps for producing practical magnets have been performed.

Persistent magnetic fields trapped in high Tc superconductor

High‐Tc superconducting tubes have been developed for magnetic shielding of SQUIDs at 77 K. The characteristics of such tubes show that adequate shielding exists for magnetic fields up to a critical field determined by the current density of the tube. Relaxation phenomena with two different time dependencies are observed when the external magnetic field enters the tubes.

Magnetic shielding and relaxation characteristics of superconducting YBa2Cu3O7 tubes

We have studied the time and temperature dependence of trapped magnetic fields in ceramic tubes of the high-${T}_{c}$ superconductor ${\mathrm{Y}}_{1}{\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{x}$. The maximum field in a particular tube is largely a function of temperature, although decays of the form ${t}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ occur for fields at the maximum values. For fields away from the critical values, limits on the decay rates give $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\le}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}16}$ \ensuremath{\Omega} cm. These results are consistent with the superconductor being in a spin-glass-like state.

R. Krahn

Papers

Current persistence and magnetic shielding properties of Y 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O x tubes