Measuring Or Testing System Or Device Patents (Class 505/160)
  • Patent number: 11811394
    Abstract: A programmable circuit includes a superconducting component arranged in a multi-dimensional array of alternating narrow and wide portions. The programmable circuit further includes a plurality of heat sources, each heat source configured to selectively provide heat to a respective narrow portion sufficient to transition the respective narrow portion from a superconducting state to a non-superconducting state. The programmable circuit further includes a plurality of electrical terminals, each electrical terminal coupled to a respective wide portion of the multi-dimensional array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: PSIQUANTUM CORP.
    Inventors: Faraz Najafi, Qiaodan Jin Stone
  • Patent number: 11629995
    Abstract: A method of resolving a number of photons received by a photon detector includes optically coupling a waveguide to a superconducting wire having alternating narrow and wide portions; electrically coupling the superconducting wire to a current source; and electrically coupling an electrical contact in parallel with the superconducting wire. The electrical contact has a resistance less than a resistance of the superconducting wire while at least one narrow portion of the superconducting wire is in a non-superconducting state. The method includes providing to the superconducting wire, from the current source, a current configured to maintain the superconducting wire in a superconducting state in the absence of incident photons; receiving one or more photons via the waveguide; measuring an electrical property of the superconducting wire, proportional to a number of photons incident on the superconducting wire; and determining the number of received photons based on the electrical property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: PSIQUANTUM CORP.
    Inventors: Faraz Najafi, Eric Dudley, Mark Thompson
  • Patent number: 11385099
    Abstract: Superconducting nanowire single photon detectors have recently been developed for a wide range of applications, including imaging and communications. An improved detection system is disclosed, whereby the detectors are monolithically integrated on the same chip with Josephson junctions for control and data processing. This enables an enhanced data rate, thereby facilitating several new and improved applications. A preferred embodiment comprises integrated digital processing based on single-flux-quantum pulses. An integrated multilayer fabrication method for manufacturing these integrated detectors is also disclosed. Preferred examples of systems comprising such integrated nanowire photon detectors include a time-correlated single photon counter, a quantum random number generator, an integrated single-photon imaging array, a sensitive digital communication receiver, and quantum-key distribution for a quantum communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: SeeQC Inc.
    Inventors: Amir Jafari-Salim, Daniel Yohannes, Oleg A. Mukhanov, Alan M. Kadin
  • Patent number: 10879905
    Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for operating superconducting circuitry. In one aspect, a programmable circuit includes: (1) a superconducting component arranged in a multi-dimensional array of alternating narrow and wide portions; (2) a plurality of heat sources, each heat source thermally-coupled to, and electrically-isolated from, a respective narrow portion of the multi-dimensional array; and (3) a plurality of electrical terminals, each electrical terminal coupled to a respective wide portion of the multi-dimensional array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: PSIQUANTUM CORP.
    Inventors: Faraz Najafi, Qiaodan Jin Stone
  • Patent number: 10782258
    Abstract: A system for measuring critical temperatures of superconducting components of a superconducting circuit housed in a cryogenic chamber with a controllable ambient temperature is described. The superconducting circuit can have a plurality of superconductor-resistor pairs connected in series. Each of the plurality of superconductor-resistor pairs can include a superconducting component and a resistor coupled in parallel with the superconducting component. The system can also include a resistance meter that measures a resistance of the superconducting circuit. The system further includes a controller that commands the cryogenic chamber to gradually sweep the ambient temperature. The controller can also record an instant ambient temperature as a critical temperature for a given superconducting component of a corresponding one of the plurality of superconductor-resistor pairs in response to detecting a change in a measured resistance across an input node and an output node of the superconducting circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Aurelius L. Graninger
  • Patent number: 9500519
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device and system for high-efficiency and low-noise detection of single photons within the visible and infrared spectrum. In certain embodiments, the device of the invention can be integrated within photonic circuits to provide on-chip photon detection. The device comprises a traveling wave design comprising a waveguide layer and a superconducting nanowire atop of the waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Hongxing Tang, Wolfram Pernice, Carsten Schuck
  • Publication number: 20140329687
    Abstract: A system may include first and second qubits that cross one another and a first coupler having a perimeter that encompasses at least a part of the portions of the first and second qubits, the first coupler being operable to ferromagnetically or anti-ferromagnetically couple the first and the second qubits together. A multi-layered computer chip may include a first plurality N of qubits laid out in a first metal layer, a second plurality M of qubits laid out at least partially in a second metal layer that cross each of the qubits of the first plurality of qubits, and a first plurality N times M of coupling devices that at least partially encompasses an area where a respective pair of the qubits from the first and the second plurality of qubits cross each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: D-Wave Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bunyk, Richard David Neufeld, Felix Maibaum
  • Publication number: 20140315723
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a tunnel junction includes depositing a first electrode on a substrate, depositing a wetting layer having a thickness of less than 2 nm on the first electrode, using atomic layer deposition (ALD) to deposit an oxide layer on the wetting layer, and depositing a second electrode on the oxide layer. The wetting layer and the oxide layer form a tunnel barrier, and the second electrode includes a superconductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Stephanie Moyerman, Brian Keating
  • Patent number: 8761848
    Abstract: Systems, articles, and methods are provided related to nanowire-based detectors, which can be used for light detection in, for example, single-photon detectors. In one aspect, a variety of detectors are provided, for example one including an electrically superconductive nanowire or nanowires constructed and arranged to interact with photons to produce a detectable signal. In another aspect, fabrication methods are provided, including techniques to precisely reproduce patterns in subsequently formed layers of material using a relatively small number of fabrication steps. By precisely reproducing patterns in multiple material layers, one can form electrically insulating materials and electrically conductive materials in shapes such that incoming photons are redirected toward a nearby electrically superconductive materials (e.g., electrically superconductive nanowire(s)). For example, one or more resonance structures (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Karl K. Berggren, Xiaolong Hu, Daniele Masciarelli
  • Patent number: 8606341
    Abstract: A twisted track interferometer (TTI) for producing magic states is disclosed. The spin of ½-vortices may be exploited to produce magic states. The disclosed “twisted track interferometer” is a “topological twist” on the conventional Pabre-Pero interferometer adapted to topological superconductors. In the disclosed TTI, the probe particles may be Josephson vortices (JVs). JVs are estimated to be light and will tunnel more easily than Abrikosov vortices. Also, the disclosed TTI does not require multiple tunneling events. Rather, the JVs are propelled down thin insulating tracks within a 2D topological p-wave superconductor by a Magnus force generated by a tunneling supercurrent across the tracks. The JVs encounter tunneling junctions as they pass into the arms of the TTI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Parsa Bonderson, Lukasz Fidkowski, Michael Freedman, Roman Lutchyn, Chetan Nayak
  • Patent number: 8583200
    Abstract: A demountable current lead unit and a superconducting magnet apparatus employing the same include an inserting module that is demountably inserted into a superconducting magnet apparatus and electrode leads electrically connected to a superconducting coil and cooling pipes disposed in the respective electrode leads; a service module including a power supply source for supplying a current to the electrode leads, a refrigerant storage tank for supplying a refrigerant to the cooling pipe, and a controller for controlling a flow of the refrigerant to the cooling pipe; and a transmission pipe line for connecting the inserting module and the service module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Stephen M Harrison
  • Patent number: 8577430
    Abstract: A superconducting nanowire photon detector apparatus comprising detection, insulating, and substrate layers. The insulating layer provides electrical isolation of a plurality of individual detector elements from the interconnection network fabricated on the substrate layer except where electrical interconnection between the inputs and outputs of each detector element and the interconnection network is intended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Amos Matthew Smith
  • Patent number: 8565844
    Abstract: A superconducting nanowire photon detector apparatus comprising detection, insulating, and substrate layers. The insulating layer provides electrical isolation of a plurality of individual detector elements from the interconnection network fabricated on the substrate layer except where electrical interconnection between the inputs and outputs of each detector element and the interconnection network is intended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Amos Matthew Smith
  • Publication number: 20130172195
    Abstract: Optical detectors and associated systems and methods are generally described. In certain embodiments, the optical detectors comprise nanowire-based single-photon detectors, including those with advantageous geometric configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Francesco Bellei, Karl K. Berggren, Eric Dauler, Xiaolong Hu, Francesco Marsili, Faraz Najafi
  • Publication number: 20130150245
    Abstract: A superconducting nanowire photon detector apparatus comprising detection, insulating, and substrate layers. The insulating layer provides electrical isolation of a plurality of individual detector elements from the interconnection network fabricated on the substrate layer except where electrical interconnection between the inputs and outputs of each detector element and the interconnection network is intended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Amos Matthew Smith
  • Publication number: 20130143744
    Abstract: A superconducting nanowire avalanche photodetector (SNAP) with improved high-speed performance. An inductive element may be coupled in series with at least two parallel-coupled nanowires. The nanowires may number 5 or fewer, and may be superconducting and responsive to even a single photon. The series inductor may ensure current diverted from a photon-absorbing nanowire propagates to other nanowires and become amplified. The series inductance may be less than 10 times the nominal inductance per nanowire, and may also be larger than a minimum inductance to avoid spurious outputs in response to a photon absorption. The series inductance may be configured to achieve a desired tradeoff between SNAP reset time and spurious outputs. For example, the series inductance may be configured achieve minimum reset time or maximum bias margin, subject to user-defined constraints. By appropriately configuring the series inductance, a systematic method of designing improved SNAPs may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Massachusetts Institue of Technology
  • Patent number: 8432163
    Abstract: The method for cancellation of low frequency noise in a magneto-resistive mixed sensor (1) comprising at least a superconducting loop with at least one constriction and at least one magneto-resistive element (6) comprises a set of measuring steps with at least one measuring step being conducted with the normal running of the mixed sensor and at least another measuring step being conducted whilst an additional super-current is temporarily injected in the at least one constriction of the at least one superconducting loop of the mixed sensor (1) up to a critical super-current of the constriction so that the result of the at least another measuring step is used as a reference level of the at least one magneto-resistive element (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Claude Fermon, Hedwige Polovy, Myriam Pannetier-Lecoeur
  • Patent number: 8405410
    Abstract: The quench of the superconducting coil is desired to be detected early while suppressing the influences of the noise generated in charge and discharge of the superconducting coil. A superconducting coil quench detection apparatus detects the balance voltage of a bridge circuit formed by the superconducting coil and a resistor to output it as a quench detection signal for detecting the quench thereof. A signal indicating the hold period where the energy accumulated in the superconducting coil is held is generated. A signal included in the hold period is extracted from the quench detection signal. The quench of the superconducting coil is detected based on the extracted signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kawashima
  • Publication number: 20120258861
    Abstract: A twisted track interferometer (TTI) for producing magic states is disclosed. The spin of ½-vortices may be exploited to produce magic states. The disclosed “twisted track interferometer” is a “topological twist” on the conventional Pabre-Pero interferometer adapted to topological superconductors. In the disclosed TTI, the probe particles may be Josephson vortices (JVs). JVs are estimated to be light and will tunnel more easily than Abrikosov vortices. Also, the disclosed TTI does not require multiple tunneling events. Rather, the JVs are propelled down thin insulating tracks within a 2D topological p-wave superconductor by a Magnus force generated by a tunneling supercurrent across the tracks. The JVs encounter tunneling junctions as they pass into the arms of the TTI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Parsa Bonderson, Lukasz Fidkowski, Michael Freedman, Roman Lutchyn, Chetan Nayak
  • Patent number: 8275427
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for measuring magnetoelectric susceptibility. The system includes a magnet supplying a DC magnetic bias to a magnetoelectric sample, an AC drive coil applying an AC magnetic field to the magnetoelectric sample, a charge amplifier amplifying an electric charge signal of the magnetoelectric sample oscillating by the AC magnetic field, and a phase sensitive detector detecting the voltage signal produced by the charge amplifier while supplying induction current to the AC drive coil. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a highly sensitive system for measuring magnetoelectric susceptibility, which is essential for research on multiferroic and magnetoelectric bulk and thin film materials at room temperature, and can also operate in the physical property measurement system (PPMS, manufactured by Quantum Design Co., Ltd.) for measurements under low temperature and high magnetic field environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Seoul National University Industry Foundation
    Inventors: Kee hoon Kim, Yoon seok Oh
  • Patent number: 8229527
    Abstract: An annular end piece for a cylindrical vacuum vessel, comprising a metal end piece (42); an outer decorative shell (44) spaced away from a surface of the metal end piece; and a layer of solid foam filling the space between the metal end piece and the outer decorative shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Plc
    Inventors: Mark James Le Feuvre, Edgar Charles Malcolm Rayner
  • Publication number: 20120077680
    Abstract: Systems, articles, and methods are provided related to nanowire-based detectors, which can be used for light detection in, for example, single-photon detectors. In one aspect, a variety of detectors are provided, for example one including an electrically superconductive nanowire or nanowires constructed and arranged to interact with photons to produce a detectable signal. In another aspect, fabrication methods are provided, including techniques to precisely reproduce patterns in subsequently formed layers of material using a relatively small number of fabrication steps. By precisely reproducing patterns in multiple material layers, one can form electrically insulating materials and electrically conductive materials in shapes such that incoming photons are redirected toward a nearby electrically superconductive materials (e.g., electrically superconductive nanowire(s)). For example, one or more resonance structures (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Karl K. Berggren, Xiaolong Hu, Daniele Masciarelli
  • Publication number: 20120065072
    Abstract: A superconducting metallic glass transition-edge sensor (MGTES) and a method for fabricating the MGTES are provided. A single-layer superconducting amorphous metal alloy is deposited on a substrate. The single-layer superconducting amorphous metal alloy is an absorber for the MGTES and is electrically connected to a circuit configured for readout and biasing to sense electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Charles C. Hays
  • Publication number: 20120035057
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus characterized by distinct operating modes are provided. A thin graphite material defined by graphene layers is supported on a silicon substrate. The graphite material is defined by edge sites at the interface with the silicon. The graphite material is characterized by electrical superconductive-like behavior at room-temperatures while electrical current flows there through in a first direction. The graphite material is further characterized by a transition to Ohmic behavior while electrical current flows there through in a second direction opposite to the first. Devices exhibiting diode-like behavior can be formed accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Alexandre Bratkovski, Iakov Kopelevitch
  • Publication number: 20110301039
    Abstract: Preparation and deposition of supercooled, electron-doped, water-cluster clathrate nanoparticles in confined geometries and on substrates from proprietary nanoemulsions is described. The compositions can yield high-Tc superconductors, e.g., in the vicinity of ?43 deg C., useful for SQUID devices in electronic and magnetic application. In certain embodiments, the water-cluster clathrates are formed in nanoemulsions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: HYDROELECTRON VENTURES, INC.
    Inventors: Keith Johnson, Matthew Price-Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20110287940
    Abstract: An optical element is disclosed which includes transparent superconductor material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Brandt
  • Publication number: 20110177952
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for making a template for a superconducting coil on a former (25) from a sheet (23) of flexible biaxially-textured material having at least two joining edges, the surface texture of the sheet being defined by a plurality of grains, and the former having a substantially curved surface. The method comprises the steps of shaping the sheet so that each joining edge lies adjacent to another joining edge on application of the sheet to the former, each joining edge and its adjacent edge being a pair of edges, and so that the sheet is dimensioned to cover a part of the surface of the former and substantially to fit that part of the former; positioning the sheet on the former so that regions of the sheet either side of the pair of edges have substantially aligned grains; and forming a join between the pair of edges, the template thereby having a substantially continuous textured surface across the join.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: COATED CONDUCTOR CYLINDERS LTD
    Inventor: Eamonn Maher
  • Publication number: 20110152102
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for measuring electrical dissipation in a coil wound with superconducting wire or tape are disclosed. The superconducting coil may include one or more superconducting wires wound together with a witness winding. The one or more superconducting wires may be electrically connected to the witness winding. The one or more superconducting wires may be shaped as a tape. The witness winding may be a tape. The superconducting coil may be wound into a flat pancake structure. The witness winding may be configured to detect a quench in the one or more superconducting wires, which may otherwise interfere with the superconductivity of the one or more superconducting wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: JOHN H CLAASSEN
  • Publication number: 20110152103
    Abstract: A method is specified for operation of an arrangement having at least one superconducting cable, which is surrounded by a cryostat which consists of two metallic tubes, which are arranged concentrically with respect to one another and enclose vacuum insulation between them. The cryostat surrounds not only the cable but also a cavity for a pressurized coolant to pass through. A reservoir area, which is connected to the cryostat, for the coolant is arranged at least at one end of the cryostat and a pump is used which forces the coolant into the cryostat during operation of the arrangement. A valve is arranged at least in the supply path of the coolant from the reservoir area to the cryostat, which valve is open during operation of the arrangement, is connected to at least one unit monitoring the soundness of the cryostat and is blocked when a signal which corresponds to a fault message is present from the monitoring unit, in order to interrupt the supply of the coolant to the cryostat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Rainer Soika, Mark Stemmle
  • Patent number: 7920977
    Abstract: A noncontact method for measuring currents flowing through superconductive wires connected in parallel is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Kyeong Dal Choi, Ji Kwang Lee, Seung Wook Lee, Chan Park, Woo Seok Kim
  • Publication number: 20110053780
    Abstract: A cryogen level probe, comprising a superconducting conductor (30); a heater (32) arranged to heat a part of the superconducting conductor; current leads (34, 36) arranged to supply electric current through the superconducting conductor; and voltage sense leads (38; 40) for providing a voltage sensor (44) with a voltage appearing across the superconducting conductor due to the passage of the electric current. The heater, the current leads and the voltage sense leads are formed as foil tracks on a flexible substrate (50). The superconducting conductor may also be formed as a foil track on the flexible substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Siemens Plc.
    Inventor: Paul William EDGLEY
  • Publication number: 20110021360
    Abstract: The superconductive nanocomposite is a composition formed by nanoparticles of a high temperature superconductor blended with a polymer matrix containing natural rubber and polyethylene. The high temperature superconductor is preferably a bismuth-based superconductor (BSCCO) having a particle size of about 21 nm, but may be any other high temperature or Type II ceramic, metal oxide superconductor. The superconductor nanoparticles comprise about 15% of the weight of natural rubber in the composition. The polyethylene is preferably low density polyethylene and may comprise between 0% up to about 40% of the weight of natural rubber in the composition. The nanocomposite may be prepared by blending the components and roll milling the rubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Ahmed Abdullah S. Al-Ghamdi, El-Sayed El-Badaway H. El-Mossalamy, Farid Mahmoud El-Tantawy, Nadia Abdel Aal
  • Publication number: 20100311596
    Abstract: A core-saturated superconductive fault current limiter and a control method of the fault current limiter. The fault current limiter includes a superconductive magnet (2), a core (4), an AC winding (5), a cryostat system, a monitor system (7) and a DC control system (6). The output of the DC control system (6) is connected to the two terminals of the superconductive magnet (2). The DC control system (6) is also connected to the monitor system (7). The core (4) has an unequal section core structure. The control method includes: controlling the current which is flowing through the superconductive magnet (2) for limiting the fault current in the power net (1) in the case of a short circuit fault event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Innopower Superconductor Cable Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying Xin, Weizhi Gong, Xiaoye Niu, Zhengjian Cao
  • Publication number: 20100231215
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy comprising a superconducting main magnet operable to generate a uniform magnetic field in an examination region, at least one superconducting gradient field coil operable to apply a respective at least one magnetic field gradient within the examination region, and at least one RF coil that is operable to transmit and receive radio frequency signals to and from the examination region, and that is configured for cooling and comprises at least one of (i) a non-superconducting material that when cooled to a temperature below room temperature has a conductivity higher than that of copper at that temperature and (ii) a superconducting material. The main magnet, the gradient coils, and each of the at least one RF coil of a given system may each be implemented as high temperature superconductor materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Qiyuan Ma, Erzhen Gao
  • Publication number: 20100173783
    Abstract: The method for cancellation of low frequency noise in a magneto-resistive mixed sensor (1) comprising at least a superconducting loop with at least one constriction and at least one magneto-resistive element (6) comprises a set of measuring steps with at least one measuring step being conducted with the normal running of the mixed sensor and at least another measuring step being conducted whilst an additional super-current is temporarily injected in the at least one constriction of the at least one superconducting loop of the mixed sensor (1) up to a critical super-current of the constriction so that the result of the at least another measuring step is used as a reference level of the at least one magneto-resistive element (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Claude Fermon, Hedwige Polovy, Myriam Pannetier-Lecoeur
  • Publication number: 20100081572
    Abstract: A superconducting transmission line includes a superconducting article including at least one HTS wire, a cooling system including at least in part one or more thermoelectric or thermionic coolers thermally coupled to the HTS wire. The thermoelectric coolers are powered by electricity flowing along the HTS wire. A system for generating and transporting nuclear power includes a nuclear power plant including a turbine for generating electricity, and a superconducting transmission line according to an embodiment of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: NEIL R. JETTER
  • Publication number: 20100041558
    Abstract: The electromagnetic radiation detection device comprises at least one absorption membrane for absorbing said radiation. The absorption membrane is formed by an absorption layer made of tungsten nitride (W2N) and having a stoichiometric ratio tungsten to nitride equal to two.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventors: Abdelkader Aliane, Thierry Farjot, Claude Pigot
  • Publication number: 20090270262
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for measuring magnetoelectric susceptibility. The system includes a magnet supplying a DC magnetic bias to a magnetoelectric sample, an AC drive coil applying an AC magnetic field to the magnetoelectric sample, a charge amplifier amplifying an electric charge signal of the magnetoelectric sample oscillating by the AC magnetic field, and a phase sensitive detector detecting the voltage signal produced by the charge amplifier while supplying induction current to the AC drive coil. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a highly sensitive system for measuring magnetoelectric susceptibility, which is essential for research on multiferroic and magnetoelectric bulk and thin film materials at room temperature, and can also operate in the physical property measurement system (PPMS, manufactured by Quantum Design Co., Ltd.) for measurements under low temperature and high magnetic field environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Kee hoon Kim, Yoon seok Oh
  • Patent number: 7532917
    Abstract: A passive mm-wave imager comprises an optical immersion lens arrangement which is illuminated by front end optics and an array of detectors (12a) to (12d) located in the focal plane of the immersion lens arrangement. The detectors comprise antennae coupled high temperature superconductor weak links, in particular C-axis cross-over or step microbridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: QinetiQ Limited
    Inventors: Richard G Humphreys, Julian S Satchell, Huw D Rees
  • Patent number: 7301323
    Abstract: When supplying electric power to a superconducting cable including a superconducting shield covering a superconductive conductor, a phase A of a current generated by a magnetic field leaking from the superconducting shield and a phase B of a current passing through the superconductive conductor are detected, and a phase difference between the phase A and the phase B is obtained so as to determine that a quench has occurred in the case where a difference between a reference phase difference and the obtained current phase difference exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignees: Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michiharu Ichikawa, Hiroshi Suzuki, Toshihiro Takahashi, Shinichi Mukoyama, Masashi Yagi
  • Patent number: 7241997
    Abstract: A superconducting X-ray detection apparatus has a refrigerator, a cooling head cooled by the refrigerator, and a stacked structure connected to an end portion of the cooling head. The stacked structure comprises a sensor holder, a low-temperature first-stage amplifier connected to the sensor holder, and a superconducting X-ray detector mounted on the low-temperature first-stage amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: SII NanoTechnology Inc.
    Inventors: Akikazu Odawara, Satoshi Nakayama, Keiichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6859029
    Abstract: A monitoring system for high-frequency circuits which minimizes the insertion loss of additional monitoring circuits while requiring only a small space. An input coupler is placed at the input of a high-frequency circuit whose frequency response is to be monitored. The input coupler has a space where a given high-frequency probing signal can propagate, and it combines this propagating signal with a given electrical input signal. The combined signal is processed by the high-frequency circuit, and the resulting signal is supplied to an output coupler. The output coupler has a space for propagation of a high-frequency probing signal component contained in the received combined signal. The output coupler extracts this propagating signal component for the purpose of monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kazunori Yamanaka, Isao Nakazawa, Masafumi Shigaki, Manabu Kai
  • Patent number: 6617738
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises an apparatus for generating electrical power which utilizes an electrically superconductive coil immersed in a cryogenic fluid for generating a magnetic field within a region surrounding the superconductive coil when an electrical current circulates in the superconductive coil. The apparatus further includes a prime mover and a conduit which conducts a flow of gas resulting from evaporation of a cryogenic fluid to the prime mover to induce rotational motion in the prime mover. An electrical conductor is rotatably mounted within the region surrounding the superconductive coil in which the magnetic field is generated. The electrical conductor is operatively connected to the prime mover so that rotational movement of the prime mover is transferred to the electrical conductor to generate an electrical output current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Charles B Dickinson
  • Patent number: 6320369
    Abstract: A superconducting current measuring circuit is provided with a detection loop through which a current flows by the influence of a magnetic field generated by a measurement target current. The detection loop contains a superconductor. The superconducting current measuring circuit is also provided with a superconducting sampler circuit for measuring the current flowing through the detection loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Mutsuo Hidaka, Shuichi Tahara
  • Patent number: 5894220
    Abstract: A cryogenic apparatus for microscopy of physical properties of an object including a thin, stiff, transparent substrate or window within the outer wall of the vacuum space of a dewar and a cryogenic sensor within the vacuum space and spaced very close distances to the window. This construction allows for positioning a sample for measurement outside of the vacuum space, at room temperature or higher and for microscopy of physical properties of the sample by monitoring the output from the cryogenic sensor as it is scanned along the surface of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: University of Maryland
    Inventors: Frederick Charles Wellstood, Yonggyu Gim, Randall Christopher Black, Steven M. Green
  • Patent number: 5867024
    Abstract: An RF-SQUID magnetometer whose RF-SQUID has an operating frequency, is formed by a superconductive ring having a Josephson element. An electric resonant circuit in the form of a closed superconductive conductor is coupled with the ring and forms a superconductive microwave resonator at that frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Julich GmbH
    Inventor: Yi Zhang
  • Patent number: 5854492
    Abstract: A nondestructive inspection apparatus having a SQUID is made with compact configuration and is capable of detecting a metallic or non-metallic metal for defects, corrosion, and the like, by forming the SQUID and a magnetic field applying coil on the same substrate. The SQUID comprises two Josephson junctions, a washer coil connected to the Josephson junctions to form a superconducting loop, shunt resistors, a damping resistor, and a feedback modulation coil, all of which are formed from a superconducting thin film on a supporting substrate. A magnetic field applying coil is formed on the same supporting substrate with a superconducting thin film or a normal conducting metal thin film. The magnetic field applying coil, which generally has plural turns around the SQUID, applies a dc or ac magnetic field to a sample. The change in magnetic field caused by a defect in the sample is detected by the washer coil, and the position and size of the defect may thus be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuo Chinone, Toshimitsu Morooka, Satoshi Nakayama, Akikazu Odawara
  • Patent number: 5810984
    Abstract: A nitrogen oxide sensor and a method of manufacturing the sensor are disclosed. The sensor has a gas detecting portion including sensitive material having electric property thereof subject to change in association with presence of nitrogen oxide in gas and a pair of electrodes electrically connected with the gas detecting portion. The gas detecting portion includes, as a main component thereof, metal oxide compound represented by a general formula:Bi.sub.2 Sr.sub.2 (Ca.sub.1-x Y.sub.x)Cu.sub.2 O.sub.8+y(0.8.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1; 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1)and having the 2212 phase crystal structure and crystalline size greater than 100 .ANG..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuzo Kudo, Hisao Ohnishi, Hisashi Sakai
  • Patent number: 5747418
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing electricity from heat. The present invention is a thermoelectric generator that uses materials with substantially no electrical resistance, often called superconductors, to efficiently convert heat into electrical energy without resistive losses. Preferably, an array of superconducting elements is encased within a second material with a high thermal conductivity. The second material is preferably a semiconductor. Alternatively, the superconducting material can be doped on a base semiconducting material, or the superconducting material and the semiconducting material can exist as alternating, interleaved layers of waferlike materials. A temperature gradient imposed across the boundary of the two materials establishes an electrical potential related to the magnitude of the temperature gradient. The superconducting material carries the resulting electrical current at zero resistivity, thereby eliminating resistive losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: John D. Metzger, Mohamed S. El-Genk
  • Patent number: 5683179
    Abstract: A quench detector for determining a conductive state in an energized superconductor, including a thermoluminescent quenching sensor in thermal contact with the superconductor and producing a quenching signal corresponding to the conductive state; and a signal processor connected to the quenching sensor, the signal processor determining the conductive state, responsive to the quenching signal. Also a method for detecting a conductive state in an energized superconductor includes detecting a luminescence signal from a thermoluminescent sensor in intimate thermal contact with, and responsive to, a temperature of the energized superconductor; comparing the luminescence signal to a threshold to determine the existence of the conductive state; and responding to the conductive state with a predetermined response. The method can include activating the thermoluminescent sensor by irradiating the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Jerald F. Lowry