SBIR-STTR Award

We propose to investigate a number of high Tc SQUID magnetometer and gradiometer sensors designs based on helium ion direct-write Josephson junction technology normally operational at temperatures near 77 K. Both planar washer type direct-inject and multilayer SQUID input coils will be considered and evaluated.

The Phase I results will be utilized in Phase II to fabricate the SQUID chips and to incorporate them into a novel laboratory prototype for advanced magnetic detection for NDE and biomagnetic medical imaging. This prototype will take an innovative hybrid mechanical/electronic approach to gradiometery that will allow the baseline (the separation between cancellation coils) to be adjusted from 0 to 4 cm and varied for increased depth of view into the target of interest.Quantum Designs experience in developing SQUID based systems over the past 40 years combined with UC Riversides two decades of experience in HTS electronics will help to ensure success of this program to establish a commercial HTS gradiometer system.