Physics and Applications of NanoSQUIDs

Abstract

The macroscopic quantum nature of SQUID devices has been amply described in earlier chapters in this book. Here we deal with the coming together of two recent streams of solid state device development, namely superconductivity and nanoscience, together with the applications which are growing out of this conjunction. As the size of superconducting devices shrinks below the micrometre scale, better performance is promised, new applications reveal themselves but new challenges in fabrication also emerge at this scale. Different Josephson junction types are required and a move from 2D to 3D structures is apparent. This chapter summarises progress achieved so far and points towards future possible developments.