YBa2Cu3O7 thin film SQUID gradiometer for biomagnetic measurements

Abstract

Low-noise rf SQUID washers fabricated from YBa2Cu3O7 epitaxial thin films have been used to construct a first-order electronic gradiometer operating at 77 K and suitable for biomagnetic measurements. Mechanical adjustment of the two-SQUID gradiometric setup made it possible to attenuate signals due to far magnetic field sources by three orders of magnitude. A magnetic field resolution of ≤280 fT/Hz1/2 above 2 Hz was attained through the use of large flux focusers. The fine structure of human heart magnetocardiograms was recorded in unshielded space. In a shielded room, magnetoencephalograms were obtained. The system was used to obtain new data on auditory evoked cortical response.