SBIR-STTR Award

We propose to analyze the performance of low frequency super conducting magnetic field measuring systems employing thin film elements. Based upon this analysis, we will develop thin film designs for: 1. Thin film pickup loops for magnetic field gradient measurement; 2. Thin film dc squid, and 3. Integrated gradient measuring system consisting of a thin film pickup coil and m in film squid on a single substrate. The result of the project will be the production of designs that can be fabricated and evaluated in later project phases. The proposed work will be a joint effort between 2g enterprises, mountain view, California (acting as the prime contractor) and hypres, Inc., Elmsford, new york.

Phase I investigations indicate that it is probable that thin film gradiometer systems can be built that are rugged enough to be field portable, are hystersis resistant, and have superior performance to conventional wire-in-groove gradiometer techniques. To verify this conclusion, Phase II will be directed at achieving the following objectives: 1) experimentally demonstrate that hysteresis in thin film pickup loops can be reduced to negligible levels. 2) develop a small lightweight stripline shielding system for a dc squid which provides an attentuation factor 100 for fields transverse to the dc squid film. 3) develop an advanced dewar system which provides both low helium boil off (1 liter/day) and 40-60 db of rfi attentuation above 100 khz. 4) develop a design for a gradiometer configured low aspect ratio dc squid (Ketchen Times 4 Squid).