Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices

(SQUID) Characteristics

RAHUL SINGH (230502)

I-PhD (Physics)
Group-7
Sep 16, 2024

1 Aim
1. To study the relationship between voltage (V) and current (I) in a Superconducting Quantum
Interference Device (SQUID)
2. Determination of Critical Current
3. Determination of the behavior of the V-Φ (voltage-flux) characteristic.

2 Apparatus Used
1. MS-EB03 electronic control box and external ±12 Volts DC power supply
2. Mr. SQUID probe with the SQUID sensor and mu-metal shield
3. Nine-pin DB-9 M/M cable to connect the probe to the electronics box

4. Liquid nitrogen dewar.

3 Theory
3.1 Superconductivity
Superconductivity is a quantum mechanical phenomenon where certain materials, when cooled below
a critical temperature (Tc ), exhibit zero electrical resistance and the expulsion of magnetic fields
(the Meissner effect). This state allows electric current to flow without any energy loss, making
superconductors highly valuable in various technological applications, including MRI machines, particle
accelerators, and superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs).

3.2 Zero Resistance

One of the hallmark features of superconductors is their ability to conduct electric current without
any resistance. This means that a current initiated in a superconducting loop can persist indefinitely
without an external power source. The absence of resistance in a superconductor can be described by
Ohm’s Law, where the resistance (R) is zero:

V = IR
Since R = 0, the voltage V across the superconductor is also zero, regardless of the current I,
which leads to the unique property of lossless current flow.

1
3.3 Flux Quantization
In a superconducting loop, the magnetic flux is quantized. This means that the magnetic flux (Φ)
threading through a superconducting loop can only take on discrete values that are integer multiples
of the flux quantum (Φ0 ), where:
h
Φ0 =
2e
Here, h is Planck’s constant, and e is the elementary charge. The quantization of flux arises from
the wave nature of the superconducting wavefunction, which must remain single-valued around the
loop. Therefore, the total magnetic flux through the loop is quantized as:

Φ = nΦ0
where n is an integer. Flux quantization is a fundamental property of superconducting loops and
is critical to the operation of devices like SQUIDs.

3.4 Josephson Effect

The Josephson effect is a quantum mechanical phenomenon that occurs when two superconductors
are separated by a thin insulating barrier, forming what is known as a Josephson junction. Cooper
pairs (pairs of electrons with opposite spins and momenta) can tunnel through this barrier, allowing a
supercurrent to flow between the two superconductors even without any applied voltage.
The supercurrent (Is ) through the Josephson junction is related to the phase difference (∆ϕ)
between the superconducting wavefunctions on either side of the junction:

Is = Ic sin(∆ϕ)
where Ic is the critical current, the maximum supercurrent that can flow through the junction
without dissipating energy.
If a voltage (V ) is applied across the Josephson junction, the phase difference (∆ϕ) evolves over
time according to:
d∆ϕ 2eV
=
dt h̄
where h̄ is the reduced Planck’s constant. This leads to the AC Josephson effect, where an oscillating
current is generated with a frequency proportional to the applied voltage:
2eV
f=
h
In the context of a SQUID, the Josephson junctions allow for the interference of the superconducting
wavefunctions, which leads to a modulation of the voltage across the device as a function of the applied
magnetic flux. The voltage (V ) across a SQUID as a function of the magnetic flux (Φ) can be described
by:
 
πΦ
V (Φ) = V0 cos
Φ0
where V0 is the amplitude of the voltage oscillations. This interference pattern is the basis for the
extremely high sensitivity of SQUIDs to changes in magnetic flux.
These phenomena—zero resistance, flux quantization, and the Josephson effect—are the founda-
tional principles that enable the operation of SQUIDs, making them one of the most sensitive tools
for detecting magnetic fields.
Important parameters to be measured:
• Ic (Critical current 1.e. the maximum current that can flow through the Josephson junction in
the superconducting state )

2
 • RN (The normal resistance of SQUID which is half of the normal resistance of each Josephson
junction )
∆V
RN =
∆I
∆V here represents the voltage across SQUID and ∆I represents the current through SQUID.
These values are calculated form the V-I characteristics obtained.
• Ic RN (The characteristic voltage of SQUID)
• ∆V (maximum voltage modulation depth which is the peak to peak voltage value obtained using
the V v/s ϕ curve )

• L (Inductance of SQUID)
L = Lsl + Lk + Lj
Lsl represents the inductance of the long slit in the SQUID body(58 pH). Lk represents the
kinetic inductance due to the inertia of the electrons(7 pH). Lj represents the inductance of
Josephson junction bridges(8 pH).
• βL (Modulation parameter )
2Ic L st
βL = (1 method)
ϕ0
 
4Ic RN
βL = − 1(2nd method)
π∆V

4 Observation

Figure 1: V-I characteristics

3
 Figure 2: V-Φ characteristics,

5 Calculations

PARAMETER UNITS MEASURED VALUE

SQUID Critical current (Ic ) µA 200
SQUID Normal Resistance (RN ) Ω 1.8
Characteristic Voltage(Ic RN ) µV 355.6
Modulation Depth (∆V ) µV 80
SQUID Inductance (L) pH 73
BL (1st method) 14.1
BL (2nd method) 4.7

6 Error Calculation
∆RN
2 ∆V ∆I
RN
= +
2
V I
 
2 1
∆RN = 1.8 ∗ + = 0.4µΩ
16 9

6.1 Error in Characteristic voltage

   
∆R ∆I 0.1 1
∆(Ic RN ) = Ic RN + = 355.6 + = 59.3µV
R I 1.8 9

6.2 Error in Maximum voltage modulation depth

∆(∆V ) = 1µV (LeastCount)

4
6.3 Error in βL for first method
   
∆2Ic 1
∆βL = βL ∗ = 14.1 ∗ = 0.07
2Ic 200

6.4 Error in βL for second method

   
∆(Ic RN ) ∆(∆V ) 59.3 1
∆βL = βL + = 4.7 + = 3.1
Ic RN ∆V 355.6 2

7 Result
• The value of critical current (Ic ) came out to be 200 ±1µA
• The value of Normal Resistance (RN ) came out to be 1.8 ±0.4Ω
• The value of the Characteristic Voltage( Ic RN ) came out to be 355.6 ±59.3µV

• The value of Modulation Depth ( ∆V ) came out to be 80 ±1µV

• The Modulation parameter value(1st method)(β) is 14.1 ±0.07
• The Modulation parameter value(2nd method)(β) is 4.7 ±3.1

8 Precautions
1. Wear eye protection and gloves while working with Liquid Nitrogen, the glass vacuum vessel
inside the Dewar can shatter due to tampering.
2. Prevent the superconducting state inside the probe from external magnetic fields otherwise it
will reduce the effects of Magnetic flux trapping which will adversely affect the performance of
SQUID.
3. Instrument should be calibrated accurately to detect small voltage changes.
4. The SQUID should be cooled to its operational temperature to maintain superconductivity.