Direct-coupled second-order superconducting quantum interference device gradiometer from single layer of high temperature superconductor

Abstract

We developed a noble design of the planar-type single-layer second-order superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) gradiometer, and demonstrated that the gradiometer did not respond to a uniform field or the first-order gradient of the field but responded sensitively to the second-order gradient. The device consisted of three parallel-connected pickup loops, each of which is directly coupled to the step-edge junction SQUID. The entire structure was made from a single layer of YBa2Cu3O7 patterned by photolithography with ion milling technique. Response of the device to the field was tested with three identical wire-wound coils coupled to each loop and balancing was achieved by using a small piece of superconductor placed in the center loop. Measured off balance was about 0.6% for the uniform field and 1.4% for the first-order gradient, which were believed not due to intrinsic imbalance but mostly due to slight difference in alignment of the test coils.