Optimal SQUID Loop Size in Arrays of HTS SQUIDs

Abstract

Arrays of Superconducting interference devices (SQUIDs) deserve much attention for high frequency magnetic field detection because of the combined advantages of wideband radiofrequency operation and improved dynamic range compared to single SQUID magnetometers. Indeed, in principle the dynamic range should scale as the square root of the number of SQUIDs. It is well-known that the size of a SQUID designed for magnetometry has an optimum resulting from a trade-off between large magnetic flux in its loop and small loop inductance. Among the factors affecting this optimum when using arrays of SQUIDs, we discuss the impact of Josephson junction characteristic dispersion, experimentally observed with high temperature superconductors (HTS) and wideband requirement. Both limit the SQUID size to lower values, in particular for arrays of SQUIDs connected in series.